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Justice Outspends Opponents In W. Va. Governor’s Race
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – Billionaire Jim Justice has spent almost $2.8 million in his Democratic bid for West Virginia governor, more than two Democrats he defeated and Republican nominee Bill Cole combined.
According to campaign finance reports due Tuesday, Justice loaned his campaign almost $2.3 million before the May 10 primary, including $325,000 in late April. The coal and agriculture magnate raised $791,200 through campaign donations. He has $108,200 cash on hand.
The reports cover through May 22.
In the Democratic primary, ex-U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin spent $378,000 after raising $394,500, and state Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler spent $247,300 after raising $248,800.
Cole, the state Senate president, spent $923,200 and brought in almost $1.4 million in campaign checks. He faced no Republican opposition.
Cole has $369,300 heading into the general election against Justice.