Democratic Primary Shows Low Spending in WV - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Democratic Primary Shows Low Spending in WV

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The Democratic race for West Virginia agriculture commissioner appears to be a largely grassroots contest.
    
The five candidates had together spent less than $100,000 as of April 22. Their campaign balances totaled $56,600 in advance of the May 9 primary.
    
State Sen. Walt Helmick accounted for close to half the race's spending. Helmick also had the most cash on hand. Assistant Commissioner Steve Miller followed in both categories.
    
In the GOP primary for state treasurer, Senate Minority Leader Mike Hall has a money edge over Steve Connolly.
    
The primary races for attorney general, auditor and secretary of state are uncontested. The incumbents are building fundraising advantages over their presumed general election opponents - with one exception. Patrick Morrisey has close to twice the campaign cash as Attorney General Darrell McGraw.