“ What led to our democratic history , especially in the ‘ 30s and then into the next few decades , was the popularity of Franklin Roosevelt and his policies that helped us out of the Depression ,” says Mike Pushkin , chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party . “ We have been a state with a lot of poverty and suffered greatly in the Depression , so Roosevelt ’ s policies were very attractive to the public .”
For the next six decades , West Virginia remained a supporter of the New Deal coalition that began with Roosevelt .
“ Democratic voter registration soared , while the number of registered republicans dwindled . During that time , the powerful labor unions — especially the United Mine Workers — helped sustain the democratic majorities in local and statewide elections ,” says Kercheval . “ John F . Kennedy famously won the democratic primary for U . S . president in West Virginia in 1960 , further solidifying the democrats ’ lock on the state .”
National politics seem to impact people ’ s way of life locally . West Virginians , especially in recent times , tend to take a populist approach to their politics with a focus on the economy and policy rather than social issues .
“ West Virginia has always been a conservative , largely Christian , work-
Photo by WV Legislative Photography / Perry Bennett .
ing-class state that now feels abandoned by the Democratic Party ,” says Kercheval . “ Republicans have taken a more populist approach to politics that appeals to many of those voters .”
West Virginia voters are also known to stand by what they value , which Elgine Heceta McArdle , chairwoman
Photo by WV Legislative Photography / Will Price .
of the West Virginia Republican Party , says is three-fold .
“ I would suggest that the core of American values drive voting records , whether it be showing up to vote or casting a vote ,” says McArdle . “ Faith , family and freedom drive folks to the voting booth . Standing for the national anthem , reciting the Pledge of Allegiance , working hard , caring for your neighbor and raising our families — these are the ideals that lead West Virginians to the polls .”
The war on coal is a major concern for residents as energy powered by fossil fuels is a key player for West Virginia ’ s economy .
“ When I was governor , we had democratic super majorities in both chambers ,” says Senator Joe Manchin . “ Over a decade later , the war on coal has felt like an attack on our way of life . Coal miners tell me they feel like Vietnam veterans returning from war , that they ’ ve sacrificed themselves for our great nation and instead of receiving respect and support , they ’ ve been told they ’ re not clean or green enough . And national programs like Medicare and Social Security have a disproportionate impact , supporting more than 480,000 West Virginians across the state , which is the highest per capita rate for Social Security beneficiaries in the nation . National politics
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