However, Dean is still a narrow favorite for re-election. Locke faces conservative radio talk show host John Carlson, a Republican. Carlson has led several statewide referendum efforts, such as his most recent campaign to end affirmative action at state colleges, but he has never been a statewide candidate himself. May. On the Democratic side Rep. Bob Wise defeated attorney Jim Lees rather easily. Democrats have been united behind Wise for many months and think he will win this one.
Polls show the race is tight.
It's difficult to imagine a Republican ever winning the governorship in the very Democratic Mountaineer State, but Arch Moore did it three times and Underwood did it in 1956. The GOP, on the other hand, has failed to win a Senate race since 1956. In the 12 gubernatorial elections between 1956 and 2000, the West Virginia Republicans have nominated either Moore or Underwood 10 times. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.