Former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, speaking in front of about 100 supporters in Charleston on Wednesday, announced that he is running for governor of West Virginia.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Saying that West Virginia is facing three crises — substance abuse, a massive budget deficit and a lack of jobs — former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced his candidacy for governor on Wednesday.
“We are in serious trouble. We need a leader who is not afraid,” Goodwin told a crowd of about 100 supporters in downtown Charleston. “We will work through, together, the hard problems that face West Virginia today, because we always come back stronger and with more resolve.”
Goodwin offered few specifics but tried to position himself in the political center of a three-way Democratic primary.
“If I were to say where I lie on the political spectrum, it is right down the middle,” he said. “I believe what most West Virginians believe — they want a good education for their kids; they want a strong community; they want to be safe.”
Goodwin answered questions largely with generalities, although he did say he agrees with Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s decision to expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act, which brought health care to more than 160,000 West Virginians.
Asked about the state’s budget deficit, projected to be well over $300 million this year, he said “there’s not one quick fix…