Democratic Meddling In West Virginia And 4 Other Things To Watch This Election Day

Its not surprising that the spotlight is on Don Blankenships campaign for the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in West Virginia. The ex-con coal baron, who served a year in jail for his role in the deaths of 29 miners, is feuding with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), referring to McConnells wifes family as China people . One of his Republican primary opponents is calling his parole officer . His campaign is spending more than anyone else on television ads, which range from darkly cynical to outright bizarre .

Beyond Blankenship and the establishment GOPs battle to deny him the nomination, another fight is happening: Democrats appear to be meddling to defeat Rep. Evan Jenkins, a Democratic state legislator turned Republican congressman, in the three-way primary. The Duty and Country PAC, which is run by the Democratic former U.S. attorney responsible for jailing Blankenship, has spent $1.8 million attacking Jenkins and just $47,000 attacking Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the third GOP primary contender. Their ads attacking Jenkins have aired more than 1,500 times, according to a Republican tracking media buys. Their spots attacking Morrisey have aired just six times. The group has spent more on television ads than anyone involved in the race, except for Blankenships campaign.

Jenkins campaign said the meddling proved the congressman was the strongest challenger to Manchin in November.

Chuck Schumer s super PAC has now spent over $1.8 million against Evan Jenkins in an attempt to rig the primary for Patrick Morrisey or Don Blankenship because they know only Jenkins can win in the fall, said Andy Sere, Jenkins general consultant, referring to Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-N.Y.). After head-faking the press about their true intentions, its clear they could care less who wins the GOP primary as long as its not Jenkins.

Theres no conclusive evidence Schumer is controlling the Duty and County PAC at least not yet. The group doesnt have to reveal its donors until after election day, but it does share an address with the Schumer-backed Senate Majority PAC. Mike Plante, a West Virginia-based Democratic consultant who serves as Duty and Countys spokesperson, dismissed Jenkins complaints.

Thats a self-serving analysis from a politician known for his self-serving dealings, he told HuffPost.

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