The West Virginia primary has been decided.
West Virginia acting governor Earl Ray Tomblin has won the Democratic nomination, while Morgantown businessman Bill Maloney won the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
The Associated Press declared acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin the winner of West Virginia’s special Democratic gubernatorial primary, with results showing him in a commanding lead over five other candidates.
With 45 percent of precincts reporting, Mr. Tomblin had more than 40 percent of the vote to 21.8 percent for House Speaker Richard Thompson and 18.5 percent to Secretary of State Natalie Tennant. Mr. Maloney was receiving 45 percent of the vote to former West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland’s 33 percent.
The election results come as the West Virginia Democrat was easily expected to win. The race for the Republican nomination was much closer as Mr. Maloney was seen as a little known potential contender.
