Staff reports
Toby Heaney has aspirations to be a state senator, and Tuesday’s primary results moved him one step closer to achieving that goal.
Heaney, a West Virginia National Guard veteran seeking his economics doctorate from West Virginia University, faced Robert Dobkin, a Northern Panhandle attorney and community activist, in the Republican primary for State Senate District 2, a seat currently held by state Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, who is not seeking reelection.
Referring to himself as a veteran and economist, Heaney said, “I have the background and the skill set to bring positive change to our state and district. I can help revitalize our economy with good-paying jobs while streamlining our state government.”
Heaney is a retired sergeant in the West Virginia National Guard, serving 24 years with 20 of those years on active duty, including service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Heaney has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Fairmont State University, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Charleston, and a master’s degree in economics from WVU. Heaney is now pursuing a Doctorate degree from WVU in economics, focused on unemployment, the housing market and veterans’ issues.
Heaney assured his supporters that his “focus is practical leadership that delivers results, creates opportunity, and helps keep the next generation in West Virginia.”
Heaney, of Fairview, had 3,713 votes or 54.71% to Dobkin’s 3,074 votes or 45.29%, with a total of 6,787 votes cast.
In November, Heaney will face Democrat Chris Claypole of Mannington, who ran unopposed in the primary.
Carrying a four-year term, state Senate District 2 covers all of Wetzel, Tyler, Ritchie, Calhoun and Doddridge counties and parts of Gilmer, Marshall, Marion and Monongalia counties.
All results are unofficial until certified through the canvassing process.
