Saira Blair, a West Virginia resident who will graduate high school later this month, just defeated a sitting state delegate in her district’s primary election.
This is a very notable accomplishment for any teen, but it is especially notable for a second-semester senior (a subset of the student population whose daily responsibilities mostly consist of watching Hercules in a darkened classroom until it’s time to for college). When I was Saira Blair’s age, I regularly wore slippers to school.
“It’s wonderful,” said Blair. “I really love the idea that I can potentially be a role model for not only the youth around my area but all across the state.”
Although he did not come out on top, Kump says he is thankful for the four years he has served and for the support he has received throughout the years.
“I think everybody has a right to win,” said Kump. “Voters win when they have a choice so makes no difference to me the age.”
Another close contest was the 60th district race for the House of Delegates. In an unofficial vote count of 469 to 459, it appears Larry Faircloth beat Gary Kelley by a slim margin.
Patrick Murphy has taken the Board of Education race according to unofficial results.
Overall, Berkley County officials say election day went smoothly.
“The day went very smooth,” said Bonnie Woodfall, Berkeley County Chief Deputy Clerk. “It wasn’t a big turnout and we had hoped for a lot more but it did go smooth.”
Voter turnout in Berkeley County on primary election day was about 10 percent.
Agencies/Canadajournal