7a703f56_race_draws_statewide_attention__1
[0] Why is the race is getting so much attention? [2] Two reasons: Gus Douglass is retiring as the longest serving commissioner of agriculture in the United States — serving 44 of the last 48 years. Consumers are becoming more interested in where their food comes from and how it is grown. [3] There is increasing attention because there are so many questions and queries swirling about the legality and/or appropriateness of three of the five candidates running for this office. Attention is heightened, I believe, by my having gained such traction as a woman farmer, ... who, being the only “practicable farmer,” is spending the least on her campaign while talking the most about what can actually be done with the tremendous resources of the (department). [4] I believe that the diversity of the candidates in the race has a lot to do with all the attention. [5] There have been some issues in the press from the beginning I think, or early on, that’s one thing, and the only other contested statewide race as you folks know is the Supreme Court race in the primary anyway. Folks have to get into something, so we’re one of those races that is contested, so I think that’s probably the main reason. [6] Did not respond to repeated attempts to contact him. [7] Could not be reached for comment [1] 
Because the Democrat Party has allowed individuals who are not qualified under state law to run for this office. And individuals who used to work together are running against each other; they possibly did not work well together before.
AgriHunt: WV agriculture commissioner race draws statewide attention
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