Demands Democrat Response & Immediate AG-SoS Investigation
By: Mountain Party State Executive Committee
May 11, 2024
The West Virginia Mountain Party (WVMP) calls on the West Virginia Democratic Party (WVDP) and the Glenn Elliott for Senate campaign to denounce the illegal, mudslinging mailers recently sent to Wheeling residents. According to the Wheeling Free Press, the mailers allegedly involve the efforts of Anand Patel and possible Democrat associates. One mailer attacks the WVMP, several of its candidates, and Vice Chair Dylan Parsons as “extremists.” Additionally city councilors Rosemary Ketchum and Brian Butcher are targeted in a bizarre attempt to slander them along with West Virginia Can’t Wait. Ketchum is a Wheeling mayoral candidate and has no direct connection to the WVMP or Mr. Parsons. None of the mailers contain the legally required disclosure indicating the person(s), committee, or entity who paid for and authorized the production of the mailers.
In a video, seemingly produced by the same group responsible for the illegal mailers, the WVMP is labeled as “extremist” in a curious bid to slander both Ketchum and Zach Shrewsbury, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. Shrewsbury is attacked for “directly challenging the [supposed] common-sense leadership of Mayor Glenn Elliott.” In the same video, the WVMP is comically accused of “voter manipulation” for publishing its 2023 legislative report cards and assigning Democrat delegate Shawn Fluharty a “D-” grade.
The WVMP has always opposed dark money. The WVMP supports strengthening campaign finance laws for increased transparency.
The content of these illegal advertisements, based on reported evidence, suggests possible involvement by WVDP leadership. The WVMP calls on the WVDP and the Elliott for Senate campaign to officially denounce these illegal campaign activities and reprimand its members or staffers involved. The West Virginia Secretary of State, the Ohio County Prosecutor and the West Virginia Attorney General must investigate the origin of this activity and hold all those accountable in order to uphold election integrity.
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