West Virginia Democratic Party releases statement on potential Greenbrier sale

By Del. Mike Pushkin, chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party

Governor Jim Justice has truly “jumped the shark” by trying to blame the Democratic Party for the Greenbrier Resort ending up on the auction block. This latest attempt to dodge accountability showcases the governor’s extraordinary ability to deflect blame while ignoring his mounting financial missteps.  

The Greenbrier’s foreclosure is not a result of any “political stunt by the Democrat machine,” as Justice would have you believe. It is a direct consequence of his own financial incompetence.

“The Democratic Party had nothing to do with the Governor’s failure to pay his creditors, including the millions owed the state tax department on sales tax receipts from the Greenbrier,” said Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin.  “In fact, the Governor has treated sales tax receipts like a line of credit, choosing to use the money owed taxpayers to pay other bills.”  Earlier this year $3.5 million in sales tax liens were filed against the Greenbrier Hotel.   

The Governor’s press release said, “This deceitful move by JP Morgan (who sold the note held on the Greenbrier leading to the foreclosure) is nothing more than the latest political stunt by the Democrats to undermine the next Republican Senator from West Virginia,” claiming that JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has “staunch ties” to the Democratic Party and Joe Biden.  “In point of fact, Jamie Dimon has been a staunch defender of Donald Trump and a critic of President Biden. Likewise, JP Morgan’s largest political contributions this cycle have gone to The Republican National Committee, $1,127,485, and Make America Great Again, Inc., 1,000,000.  Calling Jamie Dimon a friend to Democrats is like calling JD Vance an Appalachian,” added Pushkin.  

Pushkin went on to say, “Governor Jim Justice’s reckless financial behavior has not only embarrassed himself but has also cast a shadow over West Virginia on a national scale. His actions are a disservice to the hardworking citizens of our state, who deserve better leadership and fiscal responsibility then what they are getting out of the Grifter in Chief. West Virginia deserves a governor who prioritizes the needs of its residents over personal gain. The Democratic Party is committed to holding Governor Justice accountable and advocating for a future where West Virginia’s leadership acts with integrity and respect for the law.”