West Virginia Senate President Bill Cole officially announced his candidacy for Governor of West Virginia today at Cole Nissan – one of several small businesses that Cole owns. Cole spoke of the “basic principles of prosperity” that helped shape our state’s foundation.
“I think we’re at a unique time in our state’s history – a tipping point in which we’ll either return to the back of the pack or advance her to front rank amongst the states,” said Cole. He went on to discuss the four principles of his campaign: creating the environment for businesses to prosper; strengthening our education system; improving and advancing our transportation network; and combating our growing drug epidemic.
Speaking of the accomplishments the first Republican majority in the West Virginia legislature in more than eight decades made this year, Cole stressed that “there is a limit to what can be accomplished legislatively… we need a chief executive working together through the executive branch to streamline government – to be a partner to those job-creating businesses – not a roadblock. I believe my lifelong experiences in business as well as my accomplishments as Senate President give me a unique opportunity to lead our state government in a new direction.”
Cole told the crowd, “I stand before you today, ready to roll up my sleeves, work hard and seek a position in which I believe I can best serve. Therefore, today – I announce – that I’m running for Governor of the great state of West Virginia.”
