The so-called Blue Wave that helped switch the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives was more of a Blue Splash in West Virginia — which saw its House of Delegates GOP majority shrink by five, from 64-36 to 59-41.
The main thrust of the splash was in Monongalia and Marion counties, where the three incumbent Republicans all fell to Democrat challengers.
In Marion County, the 50th District, the GOP incumbent was edged out by just 72 votes — a 15th of a percent.
The candidates, in order of votes tallied, were Democrat incumbents Mike Caputo and Linda Longstreth, and challenger Michael Angelucci — who all won seats — Republican incumbent Guy Ward, Republican challenger Phil Mallow, and Libertarian Jon Dodds.
The figures come from the candidates’ Post-General reports, covering the period of Oct. 22 through Nov. 18 — about two weeks after the General Election.
We also include, as we do after every general election, the candidates’ cost per vote, which is based on spending for the entire season and gives one perspective on how candidate spending correlated with votes received.
Spending by outside groups for local Senate and House races will be reviewed in a separate story.
Angelucci and Ward
It should be observed that the margin between Caputo and Angelucci was 1,636 votes; between Longstreth and Angelucci, 726 votes; and, as we said, between Angelucci and Ward, just 72 votes.
Angelucci tallied 8,588 votes (18.12 percent).
He opened this reporting period with an account balance of $14,545.91 and raised no additional funds.
But he spent nearly all of it — $14,136.34 — leaving an account balance of just $409.57.
For the entire season, he raised $16,358 plus a still outstanding $5,000 loan to himself. He spent $19,618.43. His cost per vote was $2.28.
Ward’s fundraising for the season was a hair less, the spending a hair more. But the timing of his spending was different.
Ward tallied 8,516 votes (17.97 percent). He opened with $5,243.31 and raised another $771.39.
He spent $6,014.70, leaving a $0 balance.
For the season, he raised $20,781.07 and spent the same. His cost per vote was $2.44.
During the previous reporting period — Pre-General, Sept. 24-Oct. 21 — Ward spent more than anyone, at $6428.60, while Angelucci spent only $1,901.80. Angelucci saved most of his war chest for the final surge.
All the rest
Caputo got 10,224 votes (21.57 percent).
He opened with $34,774.10 and raised $8,435 in individual contributions plus $6,447 at a Rivesville fundraiser. He spent $24,295.51, leaving a balance of $25,360.59.
His totals for the season were $36,584.74 raised and $34,888.41. His cost per vote was the highest, at $3.41, but he took first place with a comfortable margin.
Longstreth got 9,314 votes (19.65 percent). She opened with $22,647.23 and raised $2,350.
She spent $9,997, leaving $15,000.23 in her account.
For the season, she raised $31,999.74 and spent $16,999.51 — less than Angelucci and Ward. Her cost per vote was $1.83.
Mallow received 7,480 votes (15.78 percent). His report has not been received or posted, the secretary of state’s office said Friday, because of technical problems. They expect it to be resolved by Friday.
Dodds received 3,267 votes (6.89 percent) and operated on a shoestring budget and did little in terms of campaigning.
He opened the period with $17.20 and gave his campaign $270. He spent only $7.50 — on a bank service fee. That left him a balance $279.70.
For the season, he raised $1,821.88 and spent $1,547.93. His cost per vote was only 47 cents. A margin of 6,957 votes separated him from Caputo.
