West Virginia Republican Patrick Morrisey wins Senate primary, beating former coal baron and ex-convict Don Blankenship. State Attorney General Morrisey won the GOP Senate primary in West Virginia on Tuesday, beating former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship, who served a one-year sentence on a misdemeanor conviction related to a mine explosion that killed 29 men. Morrisey’s win likely gives the GOP a better shot against Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, who won his primary, in November’s general election. Morrisey beat Blankenship, along with Rep. Evan Jenkins. Ref. USAToday.