CHARLESTON — Last Saturday, the WV Federation of Young Republicans held its annual fall meeting, at the DT Prime Steakhouse in Charleston.
At the start of the event, Delegate Andy Shamblin conducted the prayer, while Drew Herbert led the United States Pledge of Allegiance.
After the Republican Board meeting adjourned, Chairman David Bender announced all the current candidates who helped with orchestrating the event.
Some of the notable candidates who attended the meeting were Del. Andy Shamblin, Gubernatorial Candidate Rashida Yost, Attorney General Candidate John McCuskey, and Attorney General Candidate Sen. Mike Stuart.
“I’m a huge fan of young people who decide to get involved in this process, and I just want to lend you some words of advice, because I’ve been around this for a long time.
“There have been rumors of my demise, in terms of this is it for Stuart, like this is the last go for him, but it’s never panned out. I think my advice, especially for the young people here, is to stand up for your crowd.
“There is going to be a lot of pressure for you to agree with folks, those who are around you and that have deep dollars, they want to write those checks to you, and say this is what you ought to think.”
Sen. Stuart offered guidance to young conservatives, urging them not to sacrifice their beliefs and principles for those with deep pockets.
After the candidates concluded their campaign speeches, attendees were encouraged to remain and socialize with their fellow young Republicans.
David Bender, the Chairman of WV Young Republicans, shared his perspective with Mountaineer Journal, stating,
“We’re just so thankful for candidates coming from around the state to speak to young Republicans about their vision for West Virginia, and how they’re going to support our organization as well as young people in the state and really get our state growing again by bringing young people back to West Virginia and keeping them here.”
“It was a great turnout today in Charleston despite it being rainy and we’re just really excited about what the future has for the organization and for West Virginia.”
With the event coming to a close, we here at Mountaineer Journal were grateful to attend this year’s Republican fall meeting.