| By Bob Weaver
The 2002 legislative campaigns were the most expensive in West Virginia's history, according to a report issued yesterday
by the People's Election Reform Coalition, with candidates raising more than $2.6 million during the election cycle.
The study identified the special interests behind 85 percent of the contributions. The top donors in 2002 included health
care interests, coal and labor unions.
New groups that gave money to help legislators get elected included pay day lenders and billboard and outdoor
advertisers.
It is requiring more money to win a seat in the West Virginia Legislature. Special interests representing gambling,
health-care and coal continue to play a major role in financing candidates.
The group has studied contributions made during the 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002 elections.
Incumbents continue to store up large war chests.
It is likely making it increasingly difficult for the average citizen to run for the Legislature.
The average winning House campaign cost 46 percent more in 2000.
In 2000, less than one-half of 1 percent of all West Virginians of voting age made political contributions.
Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan and House Speaker Robert Kiss, D-Raleigh, each raised the most money in
their respective houses. Tomblin raised $205,319 and Kiss, $180,059 in 2000.
Other candidates for the legislature raised between $89,490 and $203,065 in 2000.
While Del. Bill Stemple received some PAC money, he was not on the receiving end of large cash contributions, running a
shoestring campaign.
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