GOP business owner announces plans to challenge popular W.Va. gov. for Byrd’s US Senate seat

GOP business owner to seek W.Va.’s US Senate seat

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — GOP businessman John Raese says he’ll challenge West Virginia’s popular Democratic governor for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Robert C. Byrd.

Raese announced his candidacy Thursday on a radio network owned by his family company, Greer Industries.

The Morgantown industrialist touted his business background and questioned whether the U.S. economy remains competitive in the world. He is the only Republican to enter the race so far.

Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin remains the top contender for the seat. He faces two other Democrats in an Aug. 28 primary.

Raese has twice run and lost Senate bids. Most recently, he challenged Byrd in 2006, but history’s longest-serving member of Congress won by a wide margin.

The filing period ends Friday.