Election 2008: Short Takes (Updated)

SUPREME COURT: The four Democrats running for two state Supreme Court seats met at a Jefferson County forum, covered by The Journal of Martinsburg. The event also attracted several sign-wielding protesters targeting Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard. He's embroiled in a scandal involving Monaco vacation photos that have helped prompt his recusal from at least three pending cases.

Candidate and former Justice Margaret Workman, who took part in the forum, earlier called for a series of debates for the Supreme Court candidates in an interview with The Intelligencer of Wheeling.

(Update) The sole Republican candidate, Beth Walker, meanwhile tells The Shephersdstown Observer that "that she has been in talks with controversial political donor and CEO of Massey Energy, Don Blankenship. Walker would not say whether Mr. Blankenship has committed to supporting her campaign."

(Update II: Roman Stauffer, director of Walker's campaign, says that "Beth has been working hard for months to speak with as many West Virginians as possible regarding her Supreme Court candidacy... In the course of that effort, she spoke with Mr. Blankenship on one occasion. Accordingly, it is not accurate to state that Beth is 'in talks' with Mr. Blankenship.")

GOVERNOR: Gov. Joe Manchin opened his re-election HQ on Monday, in Kanawha City, and The Charleston Gazette was there. Manchin has also launched a campaign Web site.

ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Charleston Daily Mail highlights television ads targeting Attorney General Darrell McGraw over his handling of settlement proceeds.

LEGISLATURE: The Journal of Martinsburg and The Parkersburg News focus on local House of Delegates candidates.