Electoral College Analysis: West Virginia

West Virginia's Electoral Votes: 5

Washington Post Analysis

Kerry had all but written off the Mountain State until recent polls suggested the race was close. Bush, nevertheless, has the edge. Gov. Bob Wise (D) is not seeking reelection, after acknowledging an extramarital affair. But Democrats expect to keep the office, with Secretary of State Joe Manchin III holding an edge over GOP nominee Monty Warner. In the House, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R) is favored to fend off former news anchor Erik P. Wells (D).

Overview
• Bush, Kerry in Reach of Electoral Win
By David S. Broder, Dan Balz and Charles Babington
(The Washington Post, Oct. 31, 2004)

Recent Polls

Source: MSNBC-Knight Ridder (by Mason-Dixon)
Respondents: 625 likely voters
Time: Oct. 26 - 29
Margin of Error: +/- 4%

Bush 51%
Kerry 43%
Other/Undecided 6%

Is Nader on the ballot: Yes

Past Presidential Vote Breakdowns

2000
Bush (R): 52%
Gore (D): 46%

1996
Clinton (D): 52%
Dole (R): 37%

1992
Clinton (D): 48%
Bush (R): 35%
Perot (I): 16%

1988
Bush (R): 47%
Dukakis (D): 52%

Current Elected Officials

name (party), year last elected, percent won

Governor:
Robert E. Wise Jr. (D), 2000, 50%

Senators:
John D. Rockefeller (D), 2002 63%
Robert C. Byrd (D), 2000 78%

House:
2 Democrats
1 Republican

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