Election guide: Democrats running for West Virginia governor

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Three Democrats are running in West Virginia’s May 10 gubernatorial primary.

The winner faces Republican Bill Cole in November.

Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is reaching his two-consecutive-term limit.

Here’s a look at the field.

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JIM JUSTICE

Age: 65

Hometown: Lewisburg

Occupation: Businessman

Political experience: None

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Marshall University

Key endorsements: U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, former Gov. Gaston Caperton, United Mine Workers of America, West Virginia Education Association, West Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association PAC

Views: Justice criticizes higher taxes and big budget cuts, saying he thinks more jobs will help the state budget. He’s the most optimistic candidate about coal bouncing back, despite contrary economic forecasts. He wants West Virginia power plants to use more West Virginia coal.

Campaign: www.justiceforwv.com

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JEFF KESSLER

Age: 60

Hometown: Glen Dale

Occupation: Attorney, lawmaker

Political experience: West Virginia state senator, 1997-2012; Senate president, 2010-14; Senate minority leader, 2015-16

Education: Bachelor’s degree, West Liberty State College; law degree, West Virginia University School of Law

Key endorsements: West Virginia School Service Personnel, United Food and Commercial Workers, Ohio Valley Trades and Labor Assembly, Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia, and WV Public Workers Union, UE Local 170

Views: Kessler wants higher tobacco taxes and other levies to stabilize the state budget, improve infrastructure and offer free and reduced tuition for technical and community college.

Campaign: www.jeffkesslerforgovernor.com

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BOOTH GOODWIN

Age: 45

Hometown: Charleston

Occupation: Attorney

Political experience: Appointed U.S. attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, 2010-15

Education: Bachelor’s degree, West Virginia University; law degree, Washington & Lee School of Law

Key endorsements: Former U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, Teamsters Local 175, West Virginia Chiefs of Police Association, West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association

Views: Goodwin says he wants a top-to-bottom review of government spending before considering tax increases. He also is pushing for a bill to re-educate coal miners.

Campaign: www.boothgoodwin.com