Published: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Clndy Frich, the one Republican vying for a the 13th district Senate seat In the West Virginia Senate In the upcoming elections, describes herself as "fiscally conservative."
But she also said she fought against budget cuts on higher education during her four years In the House of Delegates, and remains committed to supporting state colleges and universities.
Frich cited her work to procure funding for the West Virginia University rifle team after It was cut for budget reasons.
The championship-winning team was cut in 2003 but reinstated In 2004 following a public outcry and promised support from state legislature.
"I was the first to stick my neck out to say I was going to help them," she said. "I fought like a tiger to save higher education ... I'd like to continue to make West Virginia competitive and to protect WVU."
Funding higher education is especially Important to the health of West Virginia, Frich said, where many students feel they must leave the state to find a job after graduation.
Frich stressed she is in favor of reducing state spending to avoid debt, saying the economy has fared better In West Virginia than other states because legislators took such action In years past.
"We did a lot to put the state's economic house in order," she said. "I'd like to continue in that vein. West Virginia has worse things ahead."
Two Democrats are also running for a Senate seat In the 13th district, which represents Monongalia and Marion counties: Delegate Robert Beach (0-Monongalla) and Ron justice, former mayor of Morgantown and director of Student Organizations at WVU.
Justice filed for candidacy Saturday, just before the midnight deadline, after Sen.Mike Ollverlo announced he would not seek reelectlon.
Frich said her experience In the House of Delegates from 2004 to 2007 has prepared her for the Senate.
"I'm ready for the Senate," she said. "I'm very good at catching mischievous things that are put into bills at the last minute. I know all the tricks."