CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., wants to become West Virginia’s next U.S. Senator.

Mooney is among major candidates vying to replace U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who announced last year he would not seek re-election.

Mooney, a five-term congressman, chatted Thursday with WSAZ NewsChannel 3′s Curtis Johnson in Charleston.

“I believe in fighting for your freedoms,” he told WSAZ. “They’re under attack. You know, in my 10 years in Congress, I’ve seen the Democrats try to tell you what you can think, what you can read, what kind of medicines you got to put in your body. I believe you have a freedom to choose that.”

“What would you do if elected?” Johnson asked. “What are your priorities?”

“Well, I want to continue to keep taxes low, cut regulation, cut spending,” he replied. “We need a balanced budget desperately in the U.S. Senate. We’re very far from that, and so we need senators with the courage to vote against out of control spending, and I offer that option.”

“When you look at the country overall, what needs to change?” Johnson inquired.

“Well, I think we need to restore our American values, our founding principles of hard work, personal responsibility, supporting patriotism, supporting your country, restoring our faith,” he replied. “I think it’s more like returning to our roots.”

Mooney continued that thought when Johnson asked for his perspective on the country’s biggest issues.

“The ability to decide your life for yourself versus having someone dictate to you and the freedoms that are involved with that,” he said. “I do think the pro-life issue is an important issue just the right to have life from the moment of conception to natural death.”

To that end, Mooney promised conservative judges — judicial confirmations, a role only given to the U.S. Senate.

“How would you keep West Virginia at the front of the decisions you make in Congress?” Johnson asked.

“West Virginia has beautiful natural resources, oil and gas and coal, and we have hard working taxpayers in the state,” he replied. “It’s a great place to come and open a business. So, first we allow all those fight for coal.

“So, that’s one big issue. We have manufacturing here, chemical and other manufacturing plants that provide good-paying jobs for people, and so I believe in that. We’ve got to support our police so we can keep crime down and make sure West Virginia continues to be a great place to raise your family,” he continued.

“What sets you apart as senator?” Johnson inquired.

“When you look at issue after issue, I’m the only conservative running,” he answered as he touted endorsements from U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz, Rand Paul and Mike Lee.

“The establishment recruited my opponent,” he continued. “This is a clear choice between what type of U.S. senator you want. Not all Republicans are the same. That’s important to know. Republicans are different. Some are actual conservatives; some are liberal Republicans that go along with the Democrats. I’m the conservative in this race.”

Among major candidates, Mooney seeks the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in a race against West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice.

WSAZ has reached out to the Justice campaign for an interview. Our request was declined.

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