Massey shareholders reject political report idea

CHARLESTON -- Massey Energy shareholders have defeated a proposal asking the coal operator to disclose details of its political contributions.

CEO Don Blankenship told shareholders Tuesday at Massey's annual meeting in Richmond, Va., that they also rejected a proposal seeking details of the company's response to pressure to reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions.

The union-backed political measure sought detailed accountings of Massey's contributions to campaigns and trade groups, among other things.

Blankenship says the preliminary election results also show he and two other incumbents were re-elected to Massey's board.

Massey, the nation's fourth-largest coal company by revenue, has operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia.