MANCHIN RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR - Decision Has Nothing To Do With Wises' Problem

(05/31/2003)
Secretary of State Joe Manchin said Saturday he will run for governor in 2004.

Manchin said his decision to run for governor had nothing to do with Wise's affair.

The Marion County Democrat announced his intentions in Flatwoods at a meeting of the state's Democratic executive committee members.

Manchin says he believes he can do a better job, create a better economic climate and a better managed government.

Manchin ran for governor in 1996 but lost the Democratic primary to Charlotte Pritt. He was elected secretary of state in 2000.