Moore “tromps” his opponents

That’s according to conservative media:

Riley Moore tromps opponents in heated West Virginia Republican House primary https://t.co/kNyflfUn8Z

— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 15, 2024

But did he “tromp” his opponents?

I guess it depends upon your definition of “tromp.” Here are the results from the AP:

Given his free publicity for four years as treasurer, his status as an Ogden favorite, the amount of money spent on his campaign, and most importantly, the next-to-zero attention given to his opponents by WV media, I would not consider getting 45% of the vote a “tromping.” (Hmmm: I wonder why Fox pictures Moore tromping Chris Walker who actually finished third?)

Following the money

Where Moore did “tromp” his opponents was in fundraising. Open Secrets' totals, as of April 24, shows Moore with over $2 million raised compared to his nearest money competitor, Christopher Walker, with $700,000, and Joe Early with $200,000. So, even though Riley Moore raised ten times more money than second place finisher, Joe Early, Moore barely doubled Early’s vote count.

My hunch is that Moore did not use up all his $2 million. I assume we will see most of it used against Democrat Steve Wendelin who will oppose him in November.

Moore’s media

Okay, WV media constantly feature him for doing what is expected in his job as WV’s treasurer (handing out money). Additionally, as a candidate, he gets considerably more attention than most. For example, on primary filing day in January, with hundreds of candidates filing for office, Moore was the only one featured on WTOV’s newscast. And here they are again, last Tuesday:

ELECTION 2024! 🇺🇸

We’re #LIVE again at 10 & 11 with your results. Riley Moore has won the Republican Nomination for WV’s 2nd Congressional District. I spoke with him and have more in 10 minutes! @WTOV9 pic.twitter.com/ImPIFN4LTw

— Chloë Mesogitis (@ChloeWTOV9) May 15, 2024

In recent months, WTOV appears to have cut back on its reporting staff. So why did Sinclair pay for a reporter to travel to WV’s eastern panhandle to cover Moore’s very predictable victory?

(Just wondering -- when was the last time WTOV featured any WV Democratic candidate in a news report?)

I’ll state the obvious: Moore will get a lot more coverage from WV's media in the next few months. His Democratic opponent will get none or an amount close to it.

Riley Moore turns to the important issues facing West Virginians

From his X feed:

Trump would never let this happen to the Zyn supply chain!

Biden has failed the American consumer again!https://t.co/AcJjxFgGzf

— Riley Moore (@RileyMooreWV) May 19, 2024

I did some research for readers who are as out-of-it as I am: Zyn is apparently a popular nicotine pouch from Phillip Morris and apparently there is a shortage. In doing research, I could not find, however, how this was Joe Biden’s fault. (Of course, I am not one of those people who believe that everything that is wrong with the world can be traced to the president.)