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April 10, 2005
Hiram Lewis Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate Against Byrd
by HNN Staff
Charleston (HNN) — On the second anniversary of the fall of Baghdad to American forces, Hiram Lewis IV, an Army National Guard Captain, Iraq War Veteran, lawyer and 2004 Attorney General candidate announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate from the base of the Robert C. Byrd statute inside the State Capitol rotunda Saturday afternoon, April 9, 2005.
Stated Lewis: "My candidacy is not a personal vendetta against the senior Senator; rather it is simply time for a change. I am offering up my service to the voters of West Virginia."
Lewis nearly upset a high name-recognition, twelve-year incumbent in the state's Attorney General race last year, losing by only 5,946 votes, or less than eight tenths of one percent. It was the closest Attorney General race in West Virginia's history.
Lewis acknowledged that defeating Byrd next year will also be a big challenge, adding, "either way, I will continue to dedicate my life to improving our state so our children won't have to leave to find a job elsewhere."
Lewis said Senator Byrd has served his state well over the years, bringing in a lot of money from Washington. However, Lewis said Senator Byrd has lost touch with the average West Virginian."
"From his recent appearance at a MoveOn.org rally in Washington and his service as a co-chairman for John Kerry's campaign in West Virginia, Senator Byrd has allied himself with the liberal left wing of the Democratic Party. West Virginians are generally moderate to conservative. Byrd was hired to represent West Virginia; not liberal special interest groups in Washington, D.C."
An Iraq War veteran, Lewis disagreed with Byrd's stance on the Iraq War in 2003, explaining: "He basically called my service unconstitutional. Personally, that hurt. But, more importantly, his stance against the war encouraged the enemy and depleted troop morale. You cannot say on the one-hand that you support the troops, and then say that their service is unconstitutional. It is impossible to do both."
Many believe Byrd cannot be beat, but Lewis thinks differently: "Just ask the 1980 US hockey team or the 2004-2005 'Elite Eight' WVU basketball team; anything is possible."
Political observers say the resurgence of the Republican Party in West Virginia will help Lewis. In 2004, President George W. Bush won West Virginia by 13 points, Republicans picked up three seats in the State Senate, a Supreme Court seat, and the office of the Secretary of State.
"For years now, West Virginians have settled for near last in every good category and near first in every bad category," Lewis said. "We have watched as our children leave the Mountain State to find jobs. We don't want handouts anymore; we want hand-ups. We want jobs, education, security and healthcare. Pork can only go so far. Good, solid economic principles can grow the economy and create opportunity for everyone."
"I look at it like this; I am not running against Senator Byrd, I am running with him. I believe we both have the interests of West Virginians at heart. It is just that we disagree over the way to protect and serve those interests. Ultimately, it is up to West Virginia voters to decide who can best do the job. I believe I can."
Related:
HNN Candidate Bio: Robert C. Byrd
Hiram Lewis for US Senate
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