Mountain State Spotlight reached out to Patrick Morrisey’s campaign several times requesting an interview, then sent written questions. We did not receive a response to any of them. Here’s what we asked:
You’re one of two people in this race who is currently serving in an executive branch position. How does your experience as the Attorney General transition to the duties of the governor?
Out of all the candidates in this race, you probably have the highest national profile, given your work on many cases that have gone to the U.S. Supreme Court. You’ve also received a lot of money in your campaign from out-of-state donors. As Governor, how will you be able to put West Virginia first?
During the February debate, you said in regards to education that you’re open to a teacher pay raise, but you want to compare ourselves to surrounding states to see how we can compete. Having been a West Virginian official for 12 years and also maintaining a residence in a border county that hemorrhages teachers to higher paying counties, what is there to study? Are you or are you not in favor of offering a pay increase?
Here’s one from the readers — what will you do to support high-quality education in West Virginia?
This is another question from our readers — how will you balance economic development with protecting West Virginia’s water, air and land quality?
A lot of our readers told us abortion was a top issue for them. You’ve gone on record in support of the state’s current laws regarding abortion, saying it works just fine. What is your stance on other issues in regards to reproductive health, such as contraceptives and the morning-after pill?
This is one from our readers —what will you do to ensure housing is available and affordable to those who need it in West Virginia’s growing communities, such as Berkeley and Jefferson counties in the EP?
Our readers are concerned about infrastructure, such as water, sewer, roads and broadband. As Governor, how will you prioritize state and federal dollars in addressing those needs?
Medicaid in this state is looking at a potential shortfall and needs a permanent funding solution. As AG, you joined a lawsuit with Texas to challenge the Affordable Care Act, a law that led to the expansion of Medicaid within the state. As Governor, can we trust you to effectively fund Medicaid, given your track record in prior suits?
As governor, how will you make health care more affordable and accessible for vulnerable populations like the poor, women, seniors, people of color, people with disabilities and LGBT+ West Virginians?
Over the years, your office has defended at various times the state’s gay marriage ban, the ban on transgender youth playing the sport of the gender they identify with and have joined lawsuits with other states against the federal government regarding trans kids in sports. As Governor, how can you ensure that our LGBTQ+ West Virginians will be protected and treated as equal to straight and cis-gender residents?
You’ve expressed support for the cut to the personal income tax, as well as looking at other taxes that could be cut. As Governor, what would you cut and what would you save in terms of agencies and programming to keep the state’s budget balanced?
The settlements you were able to strike with the opioid producers and distributors have been criticized by your opponents. Setting all that aside, what do you intend to do as Governor to help the West Virginian who is currently struggling with addiction?
Here are the questions we tried to ask Morrisey’s opponents — Chris Miller and Moore Capito. Mac Warner is the only GOP gubernatorial candidate who agreed to a sit-down interview; you can read the transcript here.