ELKINS — After an exclusive Mountaineer Journal investigative report on the motives of Mountain State Values PAC, Fmr. Del. Denise Campbell (D) has denied any collusion with the political action committee. Mountain State Values is a left-wing PAC, intentionally distributing deceptive information to republican voters for the purpose of influencing the 2020 General Election. The PAC also has a connection to the ‘Need to Impeach’ PAC which subsidized national efforts to elect democratic congressional candidates in 2018 specifically to aid the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. The leadership of Mountain State Values hopes to prevent the elimination of the state income tax, which Karnes supports.
Currently, Mountain State Values has spent approximately $180,060.68 to defeat Sen. Robert Karnes (R), aiding the victory of Campbell.
On September 29th, Karnes released a statement in response to the investigative report.
“This is an exposé on Denise’s largest financial backer, currently slated to spend roughly $500,000 in false, misleading advertisements against me,” Karnes stated. “While I have never voted for a tax increase, their advertising suggests SB335, which would have been the largest tax cut in WV history, is a tax increase. Denise has no problem standing with this organization tied to the ‘railroading’ impeachment of Trump based on lies, massive income tax increases on the poor, pro-abortion and the destruction of our Christian values. Somebody needs to tell her, you are the friends you keep.”
In a social media forum, Campbell responded that she has not lied about Karnes, and denied colluding with Mountain State Values to carry out the attacks.
“I have not stated any lies about you, but you have stated lies about me from your personal posts,” Campbell said. “There are PACs for many organizations. I do not control. I have been attached by many in my political career. Stop the name-calling. I am my own person. Let’s set a positive example of respect.”
Karnes then indicated his skepticism in the authenticity of her comment.
“You and I both know that PAC will do what you ask. Even now you refuse to acknowledge what they are saying is a lie. Instead, you are simply trying to dodge culpability, while reaping the benefit of your friend Nancy Guthrie’s lies. Let’s be real, you have Nancy on speed dial and could shut it down anytime. If you have any specific thing you think I have said that is untrue, please tell me now. I will either back it or retract it.”
Fmr. Del. Nancy Guthrie (D) is the treasurer of Mountain State Values. While serving in the House of Delegates, Guthrie co-sponsored H.B. 127, “a bill to increase personal income tax rates for taxpayers.”
Campbell responded that she has not colluded with any political action committees.
“I know the rules. I do not talk with any PACs. I have an A rating with NRA. We are not legislators in DC. We are representing WV. I am a previous delegate and you are a previous senator of WV. I only control my committee!”
Karnes asked Campbell to refute Mountain State Values attacks on his voting record, deceiving voters into believing he supported a tax hike, when the bill cited sought to eliminate the state income tax.
“You can set the record straight right now. We’ll skip your lying friend Nancy. Are you aware of any tax increase I have ever voted for? We served together. Did you ever see me working for a tax increase? Would YOU say I am opposed to higher taxes? Now is your chance to do the right thing. Don’t follow Nancy and the extremists in Mountain State Values. Tell the truth as you know it.”
Campbell refused to refute the accusation.
“You can explain your sales tax bill during the debate.”
Karnes then stated,
“In other words, you will not tell the truth.”
Campbell then accused Karnes of supporting the tax increase, repeating the deceptive accusation made by Mountain State Values.
“I tell the truth not twist it into lies. Explain the bill you introduced that would raise citizens taxes up to 8%.”
Karnes continued, explaining S.B. 335 to Campbell.
“The bill that cut $1,.9 Billion in personal income tax? Is that the bill you mean? As a former legislator, are you saying you didn’t understand that part? Was it too complicated?
Or was it the fiscal note that said it was a $800 Million tax cut over 5 years? Do you not read the fiscal notes? Oh wait, you just said you don’t twist it into lies while continuously calling a tax reform bill that eliminated the state income tax the ‘sales tax’ bill. Seems like you do struggle with the truth. Let me ask, did you know that SB335 eliminated the state income tax?”
Campbell asked,
“Why did it not pass?”
Karnes responded,
“Because Democrats wanted to keep the Income Tax.”
Campbell then responded that she does not ‘struggle with the truth.’
“I understand and do not struggle. Can you have a civil conversation without judging people and talk respectfully.”
Karnes stated that he was simply having a civil conversation.
“Don’t understand this comment. I have been civil. I judge actions. I figure GOD will judge people.”
Campbell noted that republicans were in charge of the House of Delegates and the State Senate.
“But the Republicans were in charge in both House and Senate…did not matter what the Democrats did or did not want….”
Karnes responded that there is a faction of senate and house republicans who are not fiscally conservative.
“I’ll be the first to agree that not every Republican is on the conservative Pro-Growth side of the aisle.”
According to the American Conservative Union, which rates the ideology of Republican state legislators, this is an accurate statement.
Campbell’s final response was that ‘only God will judge people.’
“God will judge people for their actions!! I am not a judge…the bible tells us not to judge others.”
Karnes continued, noting his faith in God, and the importance of biblical accountability.
“I believe GOD will judge people for what is in their heart. Action or inaction is a mere reflection of the heart. ‘Like looking through a glass darkly.’ (citing 1 Corinthians 13:12) The Bible also says ‘Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.’ (citing Matthew 7:6) How could we not if we don’t make observations about behavior?”
Campbell did not issue an additional response on the thread.
Next, Campbell posted on her personal social media account,
“Enough of the lies Robert Karnes!! Let’s have a debate to discuss issues. What WV needs is Senator that will works for them and represent all of the people!”
Then, she posted a picture of Sen. Mitch Carmichael (R) with Sen. Robert Karnes in the State Senate chamber. She reiterated Mountain State Values accusation, accusing Karnes and conservative-republican senators of trying to raise taxes by $1.3 billion dollars.
“Here’s my opponent with his best friend Senate President Mitch Carmichael,” Campbell said, posting the picture of Carmichael and Karnes in the senate chamber.
“TOGETHER they tried to raise OUR taxes $1.3 billion dollars. Enough is enough Robert. The 11th District is tired of you wasting our hard earned money. Our friends in Jackson/Putnam county fired Mitch. This district fired you once, now let’s not make the same mistake twice. Share if you agree we pay enough in taxes.”
Karnes responded to Campbell by posting a picture of himself with Carmichael and Democratic Senators Mike Romano and Roman Prezioso on the senate’s rostrum. This was to demonstrate that there are pictures of him with nearly every senator, as he served with them in the state senate.
“This district rejected you four years ago. Conservative West Virginians aren’t interested in pro-abortion, tax and spend liberals. Oh look, a picture of me talking to Mitch and Democrat Senators Romano and Prezioso doing my job working with Senators from all political parties to improve West Virginia.”
Campbell lost her 2016 state senate race to Sen. Greg Boso (R). Karnes lost his 2018 state senate Republican primary election to Del. Bill Hamilton (R).
Robert Karnes (R) and Denise Campbell (D) are both running for the state senate position in the 11th senatorial district.