UMWA Questions Don Blankenship’s Run for U.S. Senate as a West Virginia Democrat

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) has joined other organizations in questioning former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship’s run for U.S. Senate as a West Virginia Democrat. Blankenship, who was convicted in 2015 for conspiring to violate mine safety standards at the Upper Big Branch mine where 29 miners were killed, has a controversial history during his tenure at Massey mines.

UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts criticized Blankenship, stating that he does not care about working families or labor laws. Roberts emphasized that Blankenship’s track record at Massey mines, where a total of 52 people died during his tenure, is a cause for concern.

Blankenship, who previously ran for U.S. Senate in West Virginia as a Republican and for president as a member of the Constitution Party, recently reposted a tweet suggesting that he would be more Republican than most Senate Republicans as a Democrat.

In response to the criticism, Blankenship defended his decision to run as a Democrat, citing issues such as illegal immigration, drug addiction, government corruption, and education where he believes West Virginia Democrats align with his views.

Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliot and Zachary Shrewsbury of Princeton are also running in the Democratic Primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Joe Manchin, who announced he will not seek re-election. Roberts concluded his statement by promising to continue speaking out against Blankenship and his policies, stating that he will not stop exposing the truth about Blankenship’s record.