CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A mass endorsement from Republican lawmakers has given West Virginia Senate President Bill Cole a commanding lead in rallying political backers for his gubernatorial bid, campaign officials said on Tuesday.
The Bill Cole for Governor campaign on Tuesday announced the Mercer County Republican, who announced earlier this month he is running for governor, has been endorsed by every state Senate Republican as well as 49 Republican members of the House of Delegates.
Speaking on behalf of Senate Republicans, Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael said Cole is a leader instrumental in helping the party regain control of the Legislature for the first time in 84 years.
He went on to say Cole’s leadership was vital to Republicans accomplishing their 2015 legislative agenda, which included legal reform and rolling back energy and labor regulations.
“He is the right man to lead our state forward,” he said.
In response to the 67 endorsements, Cole issued a statement saying he is honored to receive the support of legislators in both chambers…