RAESE SIGNS PLEDGE: West Virginia U.S. Senate candidate John Raese recently signed Americans for Prosperity's "No Climate Tax Pledge." Raese joins over 625 lawmakers and candidates on the federal, state and local levels pledging to "oppose legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue."

The pledge is available online at www.NoClimateTax.com. AFP does not endorse candidates. All elected officials and candidates are encouraged to sign the pledge and go on the record in opposition to using the climate change issue to increase taxes and grow the size of government.

NRA ENDORSES MANCHIN: The National Rifle Association's Political Victory Fund has officially endorsed Joe Manchin, candidate for the U.S. Senate, for the Aug. 28 special primary election.

"As a lifetime member of the NRA and as an avid outdoorsman, I am truly honored to have the NRA's endorsement for the upcoming special primary election," Manchin said in a news release. "...I am proud to be a pro-gun West Virginian who stands with the NRA."

Sheirl Fletcher, Ken Hechler and Joe Manchin III are candidates for the Democratic primary in the race for Sen. Robert C. Byrd's unexpired term. Harry C. Bruner Jr., Kenneth A. Culp, Albert Howard, Frank T. Kubic, Lynette Kennedy McQuain, John R. Raese, Daniel Scott Rebich, Thomas Ressler, Mac Warner, and Scott H. Williams are running for the Republican nomination. Jesse Johnson is running unopposed in the Mountain Party primary.

MANCHIN CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING NUMBERS RELEASED: The Manchin for West Virginia campaign on Monday released fundraising numbers for the first 19 days of the campaign. The first FEC financial report shows the campaign raised $418,364.48, from July 20 to Aug. 8.

"I am truly honored to have the support and confidence of so many individuals," Manchin said in a press release. "As I have always said, people should feel that they are making an investment in a campaign, just not giving a contribution. As a return on citizens' investment in my campaign, I will work tirelessly in Washington for all of our people, fight to create good jobs and strive to rebuild America by bringing all sides together."

From Aug. 9 to Aug. 25, the FEC requires 48-hour notification of donations of $1,000 or greater.

"Our fundraising numbers are very strong," Campaign Treasurer Jack Rossi said in the release. "Since raising more than $400,000 in the first 19 days, the momentum has continued and the dollars are coming in very steadily. We are very pleased with our fundraising efforts."

Individuals may access financial reports through the FEC website at: http://www.fec.gov/disclosure.shtml.

The Herald-Dispatch is running news, including events and endorsements, from candidates running in the 2010 Primary Election. To view candidate profiles, go to Herald-Dispatch.com. Click News, then Election 2010, then Local Races. If a candidate has submitted his or her profile information and questions, the candidate's name will be a blue hyperlink to that information. Candidates' replies appear as they were submitted. To submit your campaign news, send an e-mail to news@herald-dispatch.com with the subject line "Campaign Trails."

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