Sharpe Not Seeking Re-election

Longest Serving State Senator Endorses Stalnaker for Post

By JOHN WICKLINE, Staff Writer
West Virginia’s longest serving state senator, William R. Sharpe Jr., announced Tuesday he will not be seeking re-election to the post and endorsed Lewis County Delegate Doug Stalnaker to succeed him.

Sharpe, D-12th District, was first elected to the Senate in 1960 and has served 44 years in the Legislature. He missed only one term, 1980-1983. He was hampered by health problems during the 2007 session.

“I have been blessed with the opportunity and privilege of serving the good people of our great state for many years,” Sharpe said. “I will cherish all the friends and memories for years to come.”

Sharpe is the president pro tempore of the Senate, the second highest leadership position. He helped secure the hospital that bears his name for Weston after the closing of the old Weston State Hospital, and his work has benefitted Glenville State College.

He also worked to bring the Stonewall Jackson Dam, Stonewall Jackson State Park and Stonewall Resort to Lewis County.

He said he endorsed Stalnaker, D-38th District, for the Senate so that the central part of the state will have its strong representation continue.

“With great pride, I endorse Delegate Doug Stalnaker to follow in my footsteps,” Sharpe said. “Delegate Stalnaker will be a great asset as our representative in the Senate. It is very important to know that the people of Lewis, Braxton, Gilmer and Harrison counties will continue to be represented in the same manner after my term ends.”