Weston, WV—Delegate Doug Stalnaker (D-Lewis County) announced today that he has filed to run for the 12th Senatorial District seat currently held by Senator William R. Sharpe (D-Lewis County). In making his announcement, Del. Stalnaker said, “While I have always harbored notions of running for this seat, I would never challenge my close friend Sen. Sharpe. When I spoke with him and members of his family, they told me that he had chosen not to seek re-election. Only then did I choose to launch my bid to succeed him.” Noting that Sen. Sharpe’s legislative career had spanned parts of five decades, Del. Stalnaker went on to say, “I hope to build on central West Virginia’s foundation of strong communities, a stable and diverse economy, and the tradition of helping others in a time of need.” He said the focus of his campaign efforts will be listening to the people: “In order to be an effective senator for our district, I want to spend more time learning about the concerns of the people so that I can become their best voice in Charleston. Even though my experience as a member of the House of Delegates has prepared me well to ascend to the State Senate and represent even more people in Central West Virginia, I know that the most important thing I can do is listen to the concerns of voters in the district. What they say is what will define my position on issues. Their position will become my position.” According to Del. Stalnaker, the people of Harrison, Lewis, Gilmer, and Braxton Counties share many of the same issues and problems. “They are concerned about our young people finding jobs and remaining at home. They want their kids to get a quality education. They are concerned about the health care system pricing itself out of reach; moreover, they worry about how they will afford to take care of the elderly,” said Del. Stalnaker. Del. Stalnaker added, “We have a lot to do in this campaign to connect fully with the voters. However, I am certain of one thing: the people living in the counties that make up the 12th Senatorial District are people of great resolve. They are committed to improving the economy, improving their communities, finding ways of providing the elderly with a good quality of life, and having a safe environment to raise and educate a family. Working together we have a great future ahead of us. Our campaign is about ‘People First,’ and it is the people of this district who give me confidence in our future.” Del. Stalnaker is the owner of Kiddy Monument Company and makes his home in Weston with his wife, Sharon.