CHARLESTON — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) kicked off his statewide campaign tour that leads into next Tuesday’s Democratic primary with a stop Tuesday in Logan.

Senator Manchin is currently on tour trying to reach out to West Virginians, rally volunteers and distribute signs and bumper stickers to supporters.

Manchin said the biggest issue people wanted to talk about during his stop in Logan was coal.

“This is the heart of the energy of this country,” Manchin said. “Think about what this county has produced for this country and not just for the state of West Virginia. We’re concerned about government working with us and not against us. We’re concerned about the government of the United States having an all-in energy policy, which means you use your coal and natural gas, develop wind and solar. Let’s do a little bit of everything. Right now, we have a concern over that.”

Manchin said the Environmental Protection Agency has been “very onerous” with its attack on coal.

“We’re trying to get a balance there and stop them,” Manchin said. “We’re not going to let them walk over top of us. We’re part of this great country.”

Manchin praised the people of Logan County for the support given to him.

“Logan County has been very good for me, but it has also been a very good place for our state,” Manchin said. “I think they’ve done great. They’re good people who want to work. They don’t want a handout, they just want to work, so let them go.”

Nearly 30 people turned out for the campaign stop at the 317 Steak House in downtown Logan. Attending the campaign stop was West Virginia Senator Art Kirkendoll (D-Logan), Logan Regional Medical Center CEO John Walker and COO Tim Harclerode, Logan County Administrator Roscoe “Rocky” Adkins, Logan County Commissioner Willie Akers, former Logan County Clerk Leonard Hovis, Logan Mayor Serafino Nolletti, Logan City Clerk Amber Viars, consultant Paul Hardesty, Logan County Chamber of Commerce President Jim Frye and Jeremy Farley from the West Virginia University Extension Service, among many others. Manchin’s campaign officials also attended the campaign stop.

Manchin plans to travel to several counties throughout the state and will hold numerous events that are all open to the public. A press release from his campaign office said he invites all West Virginians to attend the events.

Senator Manchin’s tour continues today in the southern West Virginia coalfields, where he will make stops in Mercer, McDowell and Raleigh counties.

Senator Manchin will then travel to Marion County, Wood County and Braxton County on Thursday and to Berkeley County and Monongalia County on Friday.

The primary election is Tuesday, May 8.

Senator Manchin is the incumbent. His only opposition in the primary election is Sheirl Fletcher from Monongalia County.

To contact Staff Writer Michael Browning, call 304-752-6950, extension 309, or email him at mbrowning@loganbanner.com.