Handful of Races could Decide W.Va. House Control - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Handful of Races could Decide W.Va. House Control

CHARLESTON (AP) -

The general election battle for the West Virginia Legislature has cost $2.7 million.

State Senate and House of Delegates candidates also still had another $2.1 million on hand as their campaigns entered the home stretch.

Democrats hold majorities in both chambers. While that party dominates the Senate, Republicans need just 16 seats to take over the House.

The latest campaign finance report show the most expensive delegate races have been in Jefferson, Kanawha, Ohio and Preston counties.

Senate districts representing southeastern West Virginia, the Eastern Panhandle and Kanawha and Putnam counties have seen the most spending among that chamber's contests.

Non-candidates have spent nearly $480,000 to influence legislative races. Much of that money has come from Republican party groups and labor unions.

The Legislature redrew its districts last year.

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