UMWA Joins Other Organizations in Questioning 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 violating 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 stated that Blankenship does not care about working families or labor laws, and his worldview is not in line with the Democratic Party. Blankenship, who previously ran for U.S. Senate as a Republican and for president as a member of the Constitution Party, recently reposted a tweet suggesting he would be more Republican than most Senate Republicans as a Democrat.

In a press release, Blankenship mentioned that he registered as a Democrat last spring and believes West Virginia Democrats and Independents will support him on issues like illegal immigration, drug addiction, and government corruption. However, Roberts promised that Blankenship would be hearing more from him on the campaign trail.

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 is not seeking re-election. The race for the Senate seat in West Virginia is heating up with Blankenship’s controversial candidacy stirring up debate among voters and political figures.