During West Virginia’s judicial Democratic primary, incumbent Chief Justice Elliot “Spike” Maynard lost his re-election bid, finishing third in a field of four candidates. Margaret Workman, a former state Supreme Court justice, and Menis Ketchum, a trial lawyer, faced off against Republican candidate Beth Walker in the November election for two seats on the court. Workman and Ketchum both won 12-year terms on the bench.
West Virginia experienced over $1.1 million in television advertisement spending in 2008, with the state Chamber of Commerce funding nearly a half-million dollar’s worth of airtime. One particular ad that ran during the primary election was modeled after “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” and featured pictures of Chief Justice Maynard vacationing on the Riviera with Don Blankenship, the coal executive who was the center of the Caperton v. Massey case.
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March 17, 2008 – Ketchum Ketchup Guy
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This ad by Menis Ketchum touts his integrity and experience.
March 31, 2008 – Ketchum Bio 60
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This ad says Menis Ketchum was “named one of the best lawyers in America for the past 20 years.”
April 10, 2008 – Maynard for the Record
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This ad, sponsored by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, says Chief Justice Maynard is experienced and fair.
April 14, 2008 – Ketchum Mumbo Jumbo
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This ad says Ketchum is tired of mumbo jumbo in the courtroom.
April 15, 2008 – Maynard Son of West Virginia
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This ad says Chief Justice Maynard has lowered insurance rates and reduced healthcare costs.
April 25, 2008 – Workman Working People
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In this ad, Margaret Workman says, “I love West Virginia and I want to bring fairness, integrity, and energy to our Supreme Court.”
April 28, 2008 – Maynard Denouncement
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This ad by the West Virginia Building & Construction Trade PAC criticizes Justice Maynard for going to the French Riviera with, and then voting in favor of, a man whose case was pending before the court.
April 30, 2008 – Maynard, I Like Spike
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In this ad, individuals tell voters they “like Spike” because he helps lower healthcare costs, has military experience, and supports business.
May 2, 2008 – Bastress Bio
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This ad highlights the professional accomplishments of and praise for primary candidate Bob Bastress.
May 5, 2008 – Ketchum Bio REV 60
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This ad says, “Because of where he came from and who he has become, Menis Ketchum will be more than just a judge.”
May 7, 2008 – Workman Integrity
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In this ad, community members endorse Margaret Workman.
May 9, 2008 – Bastress Warped Justice
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This ad by primary candidate Bob Bastress criticizes his opponent for going to the French Riviera with and then voting in favor of a man whose case was pending before the court.
May 9, 2008 – Maynard Newspaper Endorsement
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This ad showcases the newspaper endorsements of Justice Maynard.
May 9, 2008 – Maynard for the Record REV
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This ad says, “Chief Justice Spike Maynard, a lifetime spent making a difference for West Virginia.”
May 10, 2008 – Maynard Menace
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This ad funded by Justice Maynard attacks Menis Ketchum.
May 10, 2008 – Maynard True Friend
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This ad by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce supports Justice Maynard’s politics on the bench.
May 13, 2008 – Ketchum Take a Hike
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This ad by Menis Ketchum criticizes Maynard for spending time in the French Riviera with the CEO of a company whose case was pending before the court, then casting the deciding vote in the CEO’s favor.
September 25, 2008 – Walker Believe
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In this ad, Beth Walker says, "As a proud West Virginian, I believe our Supreme Court has a desperate need for a good conservative.
September 27, 2008 – Ketchum Ketchup Guy REV
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This ad says Menis Ketchum “is the most qualified, most experienced candidate.”
October 16, 2008 – Ketchum Bio
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This ad by Menis Ketchum says he “can’t be bought.”
October 23, 2008 – Walker Always
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In this ad, Beth Walker says both the NRA and law enforcement have endorsed her.
October 28, 2008 – Workman Working People REV
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In this ad, Margaret Workman says, “With your help, I’ll build a court that we can all believe in.”
October 29, 2008 – WVCOC Walker Treated Fairly
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This West Virginia Chamber of Commerce ad claims that Judge Beth Walker is “fair.”