Buying Time—2008: West Virginia
Analysis
During W. Virginia's Democratic primary, Chief Justice Elliot E. Maynard lost his re-election bid to the state's Supreme Court. Maynard finished third in a field of four candidates in the state's primary. Margaret Workman, a former State Supreme Court justice, and Menis Ketchum, a trial lawyer, will face the Republican candidate, Beth Walker, in the November election for two seats on the court.
Leading up to the November 2008 election, the Brennan Center is releasing real-time reports on television advertising in state Supreme Court elections. The 2008 reports continue the groundbreaking analysis first conducted in 2000 examining the sponsorship, content and costs of televised state Supreme Court campaign ads.
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March 17, 2008 – Ketchum Ketchup Guy
Ad touts Ketchum's integrity and experience.
March 31, 2008 – Ketchum Bio
Ketchum bio ad.
April 10, 2008 – Maynard for the Record
Ad sponsored by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce touts Chief Justice Maynard's experience and fairness.
April 14, 2008 – Ketchum Mumbo Jumbo
Ad says Ketchum is tired of mumbo jumbo in the courtroom.
April 15, 2008 – Maynard Son of West Virginia
Bio ad by Justice Maynard.
April 25, 2008 – Workman Working People
Bio ad about Justice Workman.
April 28, 2008 – Maynard Denouncement
Ad by the West Virginia Building & Construction Trade PAC criticizes Justice Maynard for going to the French Riviera with and then voting in favor of a man whose case was pending before the court.
April 30, 2008 – Maynard, I Like Spike
A doctor and laypeople say they "like Spike" because he helps lower healthcare costs, has military experience, and supports business.
May 2, 2008 – Bastress Bio
Ad highlights professional accomplishments of and praise for Bob Bastress.
May 5, 2008 – Ketchum Bio
Highlights Ketchum's values and integrity.
May 7, 2008 – Workman Integrity
Endorsements by community members for Judge Workman.
May 9, 2008 – Bastress Warped Justice
Ad by Bastress criticizes his opponent for going to the French Riviera with and then voting in favor of a man whose case was pending before the court.
May 9, 2008 – Maynard for the Record
Touts Justice Maynard's accomplishments and integrity.
May 9, 2008 – Maynard Newspaper Endorsement
Showcases newspaper endorsements of Justice Maynard.
May 10, 2008 – Maynard Menace
Attack ad funded by Justice Maynard about Ketchum.
May 10, 2008 – Maynard True Friend
Ad by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce that supports Justice Maynard's politics on the bench.
May 13, 2008 –Ketchum Take a Hike
Ad by Ketchum criticizes Maynard for spending time in the French Riviera with the CEO of a company whose case was pending before the court, then casting the deciding vote in the CEO's favor.
October 16, 2008 – Ketchum Bio Ad
Stream video QT | Stream Video WM
Ad touts Ketchum bio and mentions he is backed by both labor unions and business leaders because he "can't be bought."
October 29, 2008 – Workman Working People
Stream video QT | Stream video WM
Judge Workman claims to have come from a long line of working people. Ad also claims she worked hard to earn her position as a judge.
October 29, 2008 – WVCOC McGraw Enough
Stream video QT | Stream video WM
West Virginia Chamber of Commerce ad tells viewers to tell McGraw to "stop wasting the people's money."
October 29, 2008 – WVCOC Walker Treated Fairly
Stream video QT | Stream Video WM
West Virginia Chamber of Commerce ad claims that Judge Beth Walker is "fair."