Stuart defeated past chairman Douglas McKinney of Bridgeport

party leadership After winning, Stuart announced he would resign his post with songer the West Virginia Executive chair Conservative Foundation effective immediately. Like the state GOP, the organization also raises money for conservative candidates and causes.

Stuart defeated past chairman Douglas McKinney of Bridgeport, W.Va., by a vote of 74 to 45, with Rick Snuffer of Beaver, W.Va., also receiving one vote.

The goal of party unity was stressed throughout the day by party leadership. Prior to the afternoon vote, the county GOP chairmen met and passed a resolution stating they would support and work alongside Executive chair whichever candidate was victorious in the chairman's race.

Stuart told executive committee members that he did personally like McKinney, but that he wouldn't be seeking the chairmanship if he didn't believe a change was necessary. He held up a copy of the state GOP finances, and suggested that perhaps too much money was being spent on the WVGOP's headquarters near the State Capitol in Charleston. It is money that should be put toward supporting candidates, he continued.

''If we work hard, we can have one house of the state Executive chair Legislature in the songer next five years,'' Stuart said. ''And if elected, I will not meddle in county committee efforts.''