FAIRMONT — The three Democrat incumbents and three Republican hopefuls for the 43rd District of the West Virginia House of Delegates are now ready to face off in the upcoming general election.
These six candidates, vying for three open seats, ran unopposed in Tuesday's Marion County primary election. The 43rd District covers most of Marion County.
On the Democratic side, current House Majority Whip Mike Caputo, a Marion County delegate for the past 14 years, received 34.55 percent of the vote (6,152 votes), according to unofficial results. Linda Longstreth, a delegate for six years, got 33.12 percent (5,898 votes). Democrat Tim Manchin, who has served three terms in the House, had 32.33 percent (5,758 votes).
Caputo said he is humbled that the delegation ran unopposed and that Marion County gave them their votes of confidence.
"It's a great pleasure to serve with Tim Manchin and Linda Longstreth," he said.
"I've gotten to serve with some of the greatest political leaders that Marion County has ever elected to office — I certainly rank Tim and Linda up there with all of those. We're a great team."
Caputo thanked those who participated in the election and said he looks forward to the campaign this fall.
"It was gratifying that the people of Marion County seemed pleased enough with our performance that nobody decided to run against us in the primary," Manchin said. "You would like to think that that's because we've worked hard for them and they're happy with the way in which we've been speaking for them in Charleston."
Manchin said that he, Caputo and Longstreth know that they have to continue working hard for the people's vote.
"They're not our seats; they're the people's seats, so we have to earn their confidence and trust every day," Manchin said.
Longstreth hopes that the people feel that she and her colleagues have done a good job and that they will continue to provide their support through the general election. She said campaigning is just part of the job.
"Once you get in a position such as this, you are working for the people — it's a 24-7 thing," she said. "You're public servants. The work never stops, so the campaign just goes along with the work.
"I have been very grateful and honored — no matter what happens — to have served them for these last three terms."
In the Republican race for the 43rd District, Rick Stam won 43.29 percent of the vote (1,857 votes), Travis Blosser got 29.95 percent (1,285 votes), and Lynette Kennedy McQuain had 26.76 percent (1,148 votes).
"I appreciate those people that voted for me and have shown that degree of confidence in me," Stam said. "I would love to represent the people of the 43rd District. We can do better, and I think that the best opportunity that we have for doing better is to elect new people."
In the busy coming months, Stam will try to give people every opportunity to find out what he stands for and he'll explain why he believes in those things.
Blosser, 18 years old, said he was in awe and humbled by the number of votes he received.
"This is my first election, first time that I've been able to vote and also have my name appear on the ballot," he said.
Blosser and his campaign team are now focusing on developing ideas on fundraising and building up his name recognition. He said he'll do everything he can to let voters know that he's the best decision that they can make.
"I'm really happy that the people came out to vote," McQuain said. "I'm really excited. I have a lot of support. This is a good sign for what's going to happen in six months."
McQuain said she's looking forward to meeting more people in the months to come and to a larger turnout in the general election.
"I knew that I could identify with everyday people in their everyday lives," McQuain said of her reason for running for office.
She wants to make a difference in Marion County.
Six Democrats and five Republicans were on the ballot for the West Virginia House of Delegates 41st District, which covers Harrison County and the White Hall area of Marion County. Voters chose not more than four candidates in their political party.
In the Democratic race, the winners in Marion County were incumbents Samuel J. "Sam" Cann with 23.44 percent of the vote, Richard J. laquinta with 18.83 percent, Ron Fragale with 18.70 percent, and Tim Miley with 17.71 percent. Frank "Chunki" Angotti, with 14.34 percent of the vote, and Anthony "Tony" Barberio, with 6.98 percent, had the lowest number of votes.
On the Republican ticket, Danny Hamrick had 24.62 percent of the vote, William Griffith got 20 percent, Tommy Phillips received 19.08 percent, and Edward "Buddy" Randolph had 18.46 percent. Diana Bartley, with 17.85 percent, came in last.
In the race for the 42nd District of the West Virginia House of Delegates, Democrat Mike Manypenny, the incumbent, and Republican Jeff Tansill did not have any opponents in their respective parties. The 42nd District covers all of Taylor County, the Bunner Ridge area of Marion County, and southern Monongalia County.
Each candidate received 100 percent of their party's vote in Marion County. Manypenny and Tansill will compete for the one seat designated for this district in the November general election.
Cindy Frich of Monongalia County will serve as the Republican candidate for the 13th Senatorial district, which represents Monongalia and Marion counties. Frich said it's been a pleasure to make new friends in Marion County.
"I've gained supporters already and look forward to making new friends," she said. "It was an honor to serve Monongalia County in the House of Delegates and I hope to serve Marion County as well in the state Senate."
Staff writer Katie Wilson contributed to this story. E-mail Jessica Borders at jborders@Mmeswv.com.