The state Democratic Party is
dropping its legal action against Republican candidate Melissa Lewis’ bid to
represent House District 52 on the November ballot, citing legal issues facing
Lewis.
“Based on outstanding warrants for
her arrest due to issuing fraudulent checks, we’ve decided to let the criminal
justice process run its course and drop our civil suit against Melissa Lewis,”
Belinda Biafore, Vice Chair of West Virginia State Democratic Executive
Committee said. “We would not have been able to delve into what would be needed
for the civil suit while the criminal suit against Melissa Lewis is ongoing.”
A hearing was scheduled Tuesday in
the civil case, but the attorney representing the committee Mark Gaydos instead
filed the order and Preston County Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Miller Jr. dismissed
the case.
The committee maintains Lewis did
not meet the criteria regarding her change in residence and party.
Republicans issued a statement
following the dismissal of the civil case.
“We are proud today to stand with
Melissa Lewis for the voters of northern Preston
County to choose a Republican for the
House of Delegates,” Conrad Lucas ,
West Virginia
Lewis’ opponent is Democrat
incumbent Larry Williams.
Election Day is November 4.
