West Virginia Fire Fighter Vies for State House Seat

May 27, 2008 – After a victory in West Virginia’s state primary elections, Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia (PFFWV) Secretary-Treasurer and Huntington, WV Local 289 President Carl Eastham will be running in the November 2008 general election for the State House of Delegates. Eastham will be campaigning to fill one of the three spots in District 15 (Cabell County).

With the election just over five months away, Chair of the state’s Democratic Party Nick Casey is calling Eastham one of the party’s strongest candidates.

“I really believe my experience at the IAFF Political Training Academy has led to the success I am having,” says Eastham. “I learned more there than anywhere else.” The 22-year veteran fire fighter is also supported by FIREPAC and IAFF 4th District Vice President Bill Taylor.

If Eastham wins in November, he plans to focus his attentions on working hard for working families. He especially hopes to make health care more cost effective and bring more jobs to his district via economic development.

State law does allow fire fighters to stay on the job while serving in elected positions. While Eastham plans to continue serving as a fire fighter, he will not seek another term as Local 289 President.

“I have served 16 years as president of my local,” says Eastham. “No matter how this election turns out, I believe now is the time for new Local 289 leadership. Or course, I’ll still be there to support and assist my local whenever it needs it.”

Currently, Eastham is also president of the Southwestern District Labor Council and a delegate for the Cabell County Democratic Executive Committee.

To get the latest news on Carl Eastham’s campaign, click here.