CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Republican Party says a member of its State Executive Committee has been automatically removed after filing as a write-in candidate against a Republican nominee.
In a statement, the party said Republican nominees are selected by Republican voters during the primary election and that the state party supports its nominees for public office.
“If any member of the West Virginia Republican Party’s State Executive Committee or any member of a county executive committee files to run as a write-in candidate against a Republican nominee, regardless of their Republican party registration, they are running against the Republican nominee for that office and are acting in violation of the State Party’s Bylaws. Such members will be removed from party office automatically.”
The party said the policy applies to Ken Reed, who has filed as a write-in candidate in West Virginia’s 15th Senatorial District.
“As a result of the Write-in Candidacy of Ken Reed in the 15th Senatorial District, per the bylaws of the West Virginia Republican Party, Mr. Reed’s membership on the West Virginia Republican Party’s State Executive Committee has been automatically terminated.”
Reed appeared on the Republican primary ballot earlier this year as a candidate for state Senate in the 15th District. He was also listed as a candidate for the Republican State Executive Committee representing the district.
The West Virginia Republican Party said its nominees are the only candidates who receive the party’s official support and resources.
