photo by: Joselyn King

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, also candidate for governor, addresses the Ohio County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday at the Elm Grove Civics.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey stressed his record and accomplishments Thursday in Wheeling while telling Ohio County Republicans why he should be West Virginia’s next governor.

Morrisey served as keynote speaker at the Ohio County GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner at the Elm Grove Civics, which attracted a long list of Republican candidates seeking statewide office in 2024.

“My tenure as attorney general — I would argue — gives me the ability to go in on Day 1 and do what no other candidate is going to be able to do,” he told those in attendance. “We are going to have a level of change, and a level of accomplishment, coming out of West Virginia that you have never seen before.”

He acknowledged politicians are noted for “talking a lot and making promises.”

“How many people have been really disappointed by what we see in Washington recently?” Morrisey asked. “I have. I think it has been utterly dysfunctional. We need to do better in West Virginia and make sure we set up a model of how the whole country should function.

“I think it starts with electing the only proven conservative with a record of accomplishment in this race who is going to be ready on Day 1 to take on the challenges facing West Virginia.”

Morrisey noted that during his tenure, his office has defended school choice laws and opposed a transgender agenda “that is at odds with West Virginia values.” In addition, the office also has to “be on point toward protecting innocent life” from abortion.

“I think that has to be one of the most critical things any public official does,” Morrisey said.

He added his staff has worked with attorney generals in other states such as Mississippi to assist them in their pro-life defenses.

“That is what good offices do. You work as a team,” Morrisey continued. “West Virginia will save more lives now because of the work of the Legislature and the defense of the Attorney General’s Office.”

He also spoke of his office’s efforts to limit gun registry law, and prohibit laws pushing for electric vehicle use.

“Everyday, I get to wake up and dream of how I’m going to sue the Biden administration today,” Morrisey continued. “This is actually one of the (perks) of my life. Because we have an absolutely reckless, unaccountable administration that wants to impose their far-left crazy values on our state.

“It’s imperative for states to step and try to block all of that from happening. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing as your West Virginia attorney general.”

Morrisey was the only announced 2024 gubernatorial candidate to appear in person at the dinner. Moore Capito was represented by staffer Haden Miller; and Mac Warner was represented by his brother, 2004 gubernatorial candidate Monty Warner.

Other candidates at the dinner each received one minute to address the crowd.

Four men seeking West Virginia’s 2nd District U.S. House seat were in attendance and spoke — Nate Cain, Joe Earley, Alex Gaaserud and Riley Moore. Attorney general candidate Mike Stuart gave a short speech, as did secretary of state candidates Chris Pritt and Ken Reed.

Current House Majority Leader Eric Householder, R-Berkeley, is running for state auditor in 2024, as is Delegate Caleb Hanna, R-Nicholas. Both came to speak in Wheeling Thursday night.

Others at the podium included current Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt, who is seeking re-election next year. Current Delegate Mark Zatezalo, R-Hancock, urged the crowd to support him in his run for the District 1 State Senate seat in 2024.

Ohio County Republican Executive Committee member Jack McArdle spoke on behalf of Larry Pack, an announced candidate for West Virginia treasurer. Former Ohio County deputy Nelson Croft, now director of the county’s animal shelter, urged attendees to support him as he seeks the office of sheriff in 2024.