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Morrisey to run for attorney general

By Staff | Feb 3, 2012

Jefferson County Republican Patrick Morrisey has announced his filing for Attorney General against five-term incumbent, Darrell McGraw. Morrisey, a resident of Harpers Ferry and a health care lawyer, intends to take a fresh look at the role of the office of Attorney General and bring a new perspective to efforts to repeal Obamacare, curb federal and state government over-regulation, provide competent counsel on Medicaid matters, and advance meaningful ethics reform.

“Twenty years in one office is just too long,” Morrisey said. “We need a strong, new voice someone with the experience, knowledge and leadership to change the Office of Attorney General and help restrain Washington’s appetite for spending, regulations, and mandates.”

Morrisey emphasized his strong disagreement with the incumbent on overturning Obamacare. “McGraw refused to join the 26-state legal challenge to Obamacare and stood by as the Administration saddled West Virginians with new financial burdens, rising health care costs, and unconstitutional mandates,” Morrisey stated. “My position on Obamacare is clear: let’s repeal it and start over.

Within the past year, Morrisey assisted those states in their successful litigation efforts to challenge the constitutionality of the law in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. He provided counsel and strategic advice regarding repeal efforts and worked with Members of the House of Representatives seeking to repeal the law. The constitutional claims related to the health care law are now pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In addition to repealing Obamacare, Morrisey indicated that he was committed to changing the ethics environment in the state and challenging excessive federal and state regulations that make West Virginia one of the most unfriendly climates for starting and maintaining a business.

“One of the reasons that West Virginia ranks at the bottom of most major economic indicators in the country is because its legal system is hostile to business. As Attorney General, I will fight to turn the state’s legal climate around and champion strong ethics reform,” Morrisey added.