In a crowded, quality field, Capito stands out

Prior to Gov. Jim Justice’s leadership, and a Legislature that is clearly business-focused most of the time, the state’s revenue was in the tank and quarterly budget cuts were the norm.

Thanks to Justice’s leadership, as well as business trends, West Virginia’s financial condition has allowed it to begin addressing those other issues, such as education, societal programs and addiction recovery.

With this in mind, West Virginia voters need to keep the importance of economic development in mind as they look to choose Justice’s successor.

Republican voters will need to choose wisely, as the top four candidates bring various skills to the table, with the eventual nominee facing what could be a strong challenge in November from Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, the lone Democratic candidate.

In reviewing the four major Republican candidates — Moore Capito, Chris Miller, Patrick Morrisey and Mac Warner — we see many positive attributes.

Two of the candidates — Morrisey and Warner — we supported in their previous roles as attorney general and secretary of state, respectively. They performed well in most regards.

In Miller, voters have a virtual political newcomer — but that was similar to when Justice came to office as well as on the national level with a recent president. He definitely has a skill set and passion for the state.

In Capito, we have a former state legislator and attorney who has shown the ability to find ways to bring people together to solve issues. He also has the endorsement of Justice, who weighed in on April 19 and perhaps said it best:

“We have good candidates, and I admire each for their individual accomplishments. As I have watched this campaign mature, however, I am saddened by the ridiculous mudslinging. I have realized only one candidate is laser focused on continuing to keep us on the path of goodness for all of us,” Justice said.

“I think only one truly understands that we got here by pulling the rope together. Our great turnaround story still has chapters to be written, and I believe one candidate is prepared to keep the course.

“We have a great opportunity to put President Trump back in the White House and have a unanimous Republican team from West Virginia working together in Washington. That’s why it’s so important to have a ‘get it done’ governor who will connect the pieces to help our great state,” Justice said.

In a crowded field of quality candidates, Moore Capito shows the skills, the policy-making and ability to problem-solve that mirrors where Justice was when he first came into office.

“As governor, I will continue using the same responsible budgeting model that led to last year’s historic tax cuts. The goal will be to accelerate the timetable to elimination. These tax cuts will help families manage the economic strain Joe Biden’s reckless spending and high inflation is causing,” Capito said.

“Under the leadership of Gov. Jim Justice, West Virginia has serious momentum and is on the right track toward becoming a 21st century economic powerhouse. My ‘Next Level Jobs and Opportunity’ plan will focus on three cornerstones to take our state to the next level: 1) build the foundation for sustained growth; 2) elevate West Virginia’s job creators; and 3) invest in workers, innovation, and opportunity. The mission is to make the Mountain State both a destination point for Wild Wonderful adventure and the best place to live, work, play, raise a family, and retire.”

Keeping in mind the importance of economic development, we believe Moore Capito is the choice to continue that positive momentum, which in turn will allow the state to continue to address those other issues.

While clearly passionate about his native state, Capito is even-keeled. And while principled, Capito doesn’t get bogged down in the weeds of national issues that state officials don’t really control.

He shares the principles of West Virginians and has a vision to move the state forward. Republicans would do well to make him their nominee.