PARKERSBURG - A Democratic candidate for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals is pledging $1 million of her personal wealth to her campaign.
Tish Chafin, of Charleston, announced the pledge Thursday. She is one of six Democratic candidates running for two spots on the Supreme Court.
Wood County Circuit Court Judge J.D. Beane, a Democrat, announced his candidacy in November. Beane said he was not surprised at Chafin's plans to draw on her wealth to benefit her campaign.
"That's the way it's always been, not just for court races, but for governor, Senate and House campaigns," said Beane. "Candidates can spend their own money on their campaign and there is nothing to prohibit that."
Beane and Chafin will run in the May 8 primary election, which will decide the contenders for the two 12-year Supreme Court terms. Two seats are up for election in 2012 and both are held by Democrats.
"This is a critical race," said Beane. "Obviously, money is an important aspect of a campaign, because you have to get your message out to a statewide area, in counties and cities where there is not much name recognition," said Beane. "For me, the pleasure of campaigning has been about getting out there and meeting new people."
Beane said he hopes to raise the funds necessary to support his own effort, but added that campaigns are about more than just money.
Chafin is married to Sen. Truman Chafin, D-Mingo. She told supporters Thursday that West Virginians have invested tens of thousands of dollars in her candidacy.
"Just as my supporters strongly believe in my integrity, ability, and willingness to work hard for West Virginia, I wanted to show my commitment to serving West Virginia and its highest court by making this financial investment," Chafin said in a statement.
