Don Blankenship won't rule out third party bid in West Virginia senate race

Blankenship has repeatedly stated on the campaign trail that Morrisey is at fault for the opioid epidemic in West Virginia, and vows he will not support the attorney general if chosen as the Republican nominee. “Mr. Morrisey has been less than truthful about his involvement with the drug companies,” Blankenship said, noting that an independent bid might be the most viable option in the general election race against current West Virginia senator Democrat Joe Manchin.

But Blankenship’s threat may ring hollow. West Virginia law contains a “sore loser” clause barring candidates that lose in a party primary from running as an independent for the same post. It’s not clear how or if he could ever run such a campaign in the Stare of West Virginia.