CHARLESTON — In an exclusive interview with Mountaineer Journal, Sen. John Pitsenbarger (R-11) responded to Fmr. Sen. Robert Karnes (R-11) “weighing the options” of a 2020 state senate run. Sen. Pitsenbarger expressed that “challenges are greatly accepted.”
“I actually know Mr. Karnes; not well, but I know him,” Pitsenbarger continued, “He was my senator. He did a good job while he was here, but the voters decided in the last election that they wanted somebody else. As a politician, on that side of the issue, we are always up for challenges. If our constituents don’t think that we’re doing a good job, then they would vote for him. If I’m not doing a good job, if he’s not doing a good job, they would vote for somebody else.
So, everybody that qualifies has the option to run. So, challenges are greatly accepted, I guess. That’s part of politics and part of life. As a former national senator said once, from West Virginia, you’re either running challenged or you’re not. You’re always running, so that’s fine, and I understand that.”
Pitsenbarger was appointed to his position by Gov. Jim Justice (R) in 2019, upon the resignation of Fmr. Sen. Greg Boso (R-11).
During his tenure as senator, Karnes served with Boso in the 11th senatorial district. In 2018, Karnes was defeated in the primary by Del. Bill Hamilton (R-Upshur), who now serves as an 11th district state senator.
This upcoming race will be Pitsenbarger’s first state senatorial election. If Karnes runs, he will be a Republican opponent challenging Pitsenbarger in the May 12th primary.