Spike Maynard Reaches ‘Contender’ Status

Washington- The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has officially announced that Republican Spike Maynard (WV-03) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program. Maynard now faces a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to represent West Virginia’s Third Congressional District. His opponent is thirty-three-year Democrat incumbent Nick Rahall, a longtime Washington politician whose support for President Obama’s War on Coal strikes at the heart of southern West Virginia’s way of life. In August 2010, Rahall became the focus of ethical questions after it was revealed that he used congressional letterhead to write a judge asking for leniency on his son.

Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Maynard has already demonstrated his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.

“Spike Maynard has met a series of rigorous fundraising and campaign goals that will go a long way in helping to put this seat in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Spike is part of a strong and growing pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. The success of his campaign has put congressional Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”

Maynard is an Air Force veteran, where he served in reconnaissance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his honorable discharge, Maynard was the Managing Director of the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce and practiced law. In 1976, Maynard was elected as a Prosecuting Attorney for Mingo County. He was appointed by Governor Rockefeller to the Thirtieth Judicial Circuit and was twice elected to that circuit. His legal experience saw him elected to the Supreme Court of Appeals, where he served as Chief Justice in 2000, 2004 and 2008. Maynard has a distinguished record of public service and would be a remarkable advocate for West Virginia jobs in Washington, DC.

Maynard, a former Democrat, became a Republican because the Democratic Party no longer reflects the conservative values shared by most West Virginians. The incumbent, in a sure sign that he senses a strong challenge, has already begun falsely attacking Maynard. But Rahall, a lockstep liberal who’s voted for nearly every major piece of the Obama agenda, will be hard-pressed to defend his own record in a district that continues to grow more Republican each year.

Maynard now faces a new set of rigorous goals that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build a competitive, effective and winning campaign.

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