PRINCETON, W.VA. — The Libertarian Party of West Virginia (LPWV) has announced that Princeton Optometrist Zane Lawhorn has declared his candidacy for United States House of Representatives in the 3rd Congressional District. “The lack of jobs is the single biggest problem facing southern West Virginia,” declared Dr. Lawhorn. “The War on Coal in particular and loss of personal rights and liberties in general are devastating West Virginia,” he explained. “As a non-career politician, I intend to go to Washington and confront our out-of-control Federal Government head-on. You won’t get ‘business as usual’ with Congressman Zane Lawhorn,” he promised.
A West Virginia native, Lawhorn is one among thousands of citizens who have grown disgusted with the failures of the two major political parties. He is a relatively new member of the Libertarian Party and has been attracted by the Libertarians’ unique appeal on issues ranging from the economy and over-taxation to its emphasis on privacy and protection from government snooping. “The people deserve their rights protected and the opportunity to live their lives without government interference,” says Lawhorn.
With Libertarian candidates having declared their candidacies for all six of the statewide races in West Virginia this year, led by its candidate for Governor, David Moran of Preston County, Lawhorn, of Mercer County, becomes the first Libertarian to announce for U.S. Congress. The Libertarian Party of West Virginia is now the third-largest political party in the state in terms of registered voters.
Dr. Lawhorn has been a practicing Optometrist in Mercer County for 30 years and has developed a practice in the Beckley-Mt. Hope area as well. He graduated from Union High School in Monroe County in 1976 and West Virginia University in 1980. During optometry college, he served as Student Government President and was selected to membership in Gold Key International, one of the highest awards a student might obtain. He has also been an officer in Student Volunteer Service to Humanity, a philanthropic organization that provides free eye care to underdeveloped countries. Dr. Lawhorn and his wife live in Princeton and have two grown children, Mitchell, a graduate student and football coach, and Megan, currently attending Cosmetology School. The Lawhorns attend Princeton Presbyterian Church, where he serves as an elder on the Session. He has previously served his community as vice-chairman of the Princeton Building Commission. In 2006, Lawhorn was a candidate for United States Senate and, in the 2008 presidential election, was a member of the Electoral College for West Virginia.
“I will focus like a laser on job creation through our free enterprise system,” Dr. Lawhorn pledges. “I won’t take a penny of salary until at least 1,000 net new jobs are created in the 3rd District and I’ll set up a citizens’ committee, which anyone can join, to monitor my progress on the jobs front,” he vows. “I’ll fight for jobs, jobs, jobs, and appreciation for the hard work of coal miners who have kept the lights on in America.”
The Libertarian Party of West Virginia (LPWV) will hold its state nominating convention on Saturday, May 7, at the Sutton Days Inn and Conference Center in Flatwoods. The LPWV anticipates nominating a full slate of candidates for the six statewide races in West Virginia this year as well as candidates for Congressional and state legislative office.