September 7, 2018 - Incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and Republican challenger Patrick Morrisey have picked up endorsements from coal interests ahead of November's U.S. Senate race in West Virginia.

Joe Manchin

Patrick Morrisey

The United Mine Workers union says it plans to spend $360,000 on television advertisements in four West Virginia media markets in support of Manchin.

UMW President Cecil Roberts says there's no stronger voice in the U.S. Senate on behalf of working and retired coal miners than Manchin, who has fought to preserve coal jobs and retiree health care and pensions.

Morrisey has earned the endorsement of the West Virginia Coal Association, which endorsed Manchin in 2012.

Association President Bill Raney says Morrisey has been a "tireless advocate" for the state's coal industry, including leading legal challenges to protect mining and coal-fired electric power.