Maynard Files Former Dem. Justice Now GOP Congressional Candidate
Reported by: Kennie Bass
Videographer: Matt Durrett, Larry Clark
Web Producer: Kennie Bass
Reported: Feb. 2, 2010 5:51 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 2, 2010 6:17 PM EST
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For 12 years, Elliott "Spike" Maynard wore the robes of a state supreme court justice as a democrat.
Maynard left the bench after losing in the 2008 primary. The Mingo County native has decided to give politics another try, this time as a republican candidate for the 3rd congressional seat held by Democrat Nick Rahall.
Maynard says while he still hold local democratic elected officials and office holders in high regard, he doesn't believe staying in the party would have helped him fight for Mountain State coal jobs. He quotes Ronald Reagan in saying he didn't leave the Democratic party, the Democratic party left him.
Two years ago, Maynard's supreme court candidacy was plagued with allegations of impropriety after pictures surfaced of him and Massey CEO Don Blankenship together while both were vacationing on the Riviera.
Maynard says he knows those snapshots will be brought up once again now that he is officially a congressional candidate.
However, he cites a longtime friendship with his fellow Mingo County resident, and cites the thousands of people Massey energy employs in West Virginia.
Maynard says while Rahall is a friend, he believes more must be done to protect coal jobs throughout southern West Virginia. He says that is the main reason he's decided to run for office.
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Kennie Bass
