Dems holding edge in WV races

[Lasher]

CHARLESTON -- Republicans left 45 legislative seats unchallenged, all but four of them in the House, when the candidacy filing period for the 2008 elections ended last month.

By contrast, only nine GOP incumbents are assured re-election for want of a Democratic opponent in November, according to rosters compiled by state and county election officials.

With all 100 House seats on the ballot, Democrats now hold a 72 percent majority. They also occupy 10 of the 17 Senate seats up this year, part of an overall majority of 23 of 34 seats in that chamber.

Party officials can still appoint candidates to fill vacancies. For now, Democrats will start Election Day winning 41 House and four Senate seats. Republicans can count on eight House wins and one in the Senate.

The trend extends to other races on the ballot. No one successfully filed for a chance to take on Democratic Reps. Alan Mollohan or Nick Rahall in two of the state's three congressional districts. State Auditor Glen Gainer and Treasurer John Perdue, both Democrats, also face no GOP challengers in the fall.

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