Don Blankenship, a former chief executive of Massey Energy with a history of political losses and a federal prison sentence, is making another bid for public office. This time, he is running as a Democrat in the West Virginia Senate primary, seeking the seat being vacated by Joe Manchin.
Blankenship's candidacy has raised concerns among Democrats and union allies due to his past and controversial background. His involvement in the 2010 mine explosion that claimed the lives of 29 miners has been a focal point of criticism against him.
