Caputo reflects on the Jeffries defection, decline of Dems in statehouse

[Leroy N. Soetoro]

https://wvmetronews.com/2022/12/04/caputo-reflects-on-the-jeffries-
defection-decline-of-dems-in-statehouse/

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After the defection of state Senator Glenn Jeffries to
the Republican party Senator Mike Caputo is one of one three remaining
Democrats in the state senate.

“I don’t agree with what he (Jeffries) did because I think you have to be
honest with your constituents and you have to be honest with yourself and
I don’t think Glenn has done that,” Caputo said Friday on MetroNews
“Talkline.” “I mean, he was elected as a Democrat and he served as a
Democrat.”

Jeffries, R-Putnam, said his change of party affiliation won’t change who
he is as a lawmaker.

“I have the greatest respect for the many friends and supporters I have
been blessed with during my time in public office,” Jeffries said in his
announcement last week. “I hope to continue and strengthen those
relationships going forward.”

He added, “Our politics have gotten so personal and difficult. I want to
make sure that I serve constituents and our state in a respectful,
thoughtful way that leads to a better life for all West Virginians.”

Caputo, D-Marion, said he believes the decline of the Democratic Party in
the state began during the Obama administration. Caputo said Republicans
were able to take national issues and make them stick on statewide
candidates.

“They made us look like we’re anti-coal and anti-job and it worked quite
frankly,” Caputo said. “The people of West Virginia unfortunately have
believed that and, I think it’s hogwash.”

Caputo has been in the legislature since 1998 and said campaigns have
changed vastly. Jeffries was first elected to the state Senate in 2016
with a win over incumbent Republican Chris Walters. Caputo rejected the
idea that Jefferies will be able to accomplish more by crossing parties to
be a part of the majority.

“One of 34, a newcomer on the back bench and you’re going to have that
much influence, no you won’t,” Caputo said. “They’re going to throw you a
couple bones and say thank you because you switched, but at the end of the
day it’s all about getting reelected and nobody will convince me
otherwise.”

Caputo has watched the once dominant Democrat party wilt over time, but he
compared his situations to the Republican Party years ago. He cited the
convictions of Charlie Trump, Craig Blair and Mitch Carmichael who
remained Republicans while the Democrats maintained political control.

“But, you know what they never did when they were in super minorities?
They never left they stood there and fought for their beliefs,” Caputo
said. “That’s why I respect them so much. They stood there and fought for
their beliefs even when they knew they were outnumbered.”

Caputo speculated Jeffries made the move to preserve his reelection
chances in 2024. Senator Richard Lindsay, D-Kanawha, was defeated last
month in the same district by former Democrat, now Republican, Mark Hunt.

“I think it’s matter of self-preservation,” Caputo said. “How bad do you
want to win an election? Do you want to sell your soul and everything you
believe in to switch parties just so you can be reelected? That’s not me.”


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