Karl Kolenich, an attorney in private practice in Upshur County, today announced his intention to seek the Libertarian Party nomination for Attorney General. “I’ve never viewed myself as a politician,” said Kolenich, a civil attorney and first-time-ever candidate for public office who resides in Buckhannon with his wife and fourteen-year-old daughter, “although I guess everyone says that.” “I’m running because more than ever the two-party system is broken and I can be part of the solution for better government in West Virginia.” “The rhetoric of the two older parties is divisive,” says Kolenich, “and encourages an ‘us versus them’ mentality in which the spoils of government reward the strongest players and the well-connected.”
“I believe in the rule of law,” he added, “and, since we Libertarians have no special interests behind us, the public can be assured I’ll be vigilant in representing the public’s interest against consumer fraud and in agency rule-making with strict impartiality.”
Kolenich becomes the fourth Libertarian to announce for statewide office this year, joining the Libertarian Party’s candidate for Governor, David D. Moran, whose candidacy in 2012 for Governor gained the party official recognition status, its candidate for Secretary of State, John Buckley, and its candidate for Treasurer, Brent West. The Libertarian Party of West Virginia is now the third-largest political party in the state in terms of registered voters.
Kolenich is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace College in Cleveland with a degree in economics and received his law degree from West Virginia University. In addition to his law practice and family commitments, he is active in Buckhannon Community Theatre and has long been enjoyed restoring classic automobiles.
“I meet so many people who tell me they’re fed up with politics as usual,” said Kolenich. “So I encourage folks to look into the Libertarian ‘live and let live’ philosophy, which supports smaller, more competent government and personal liberties.” For more information on the Kolenich candidacy, see Facebook.com/kolenichforwvag or email him at kolenichforwvag@gmail.com.
The Libertarian Party of West Virginia (LPWV) will hold its state nominating convention on Saturday, May 7, at the Sutton Days Inn and Conference Center in Flatwoods. The LPWV anticipates nominating a full slate of candidates for the six statewide races in West Virginia this year as well as candidates for Congressional and state legislative office.
