That war was fought in major battles and minor skirmishes all over the state. Lots and lots of people and I would guess all families were severely injured financially. Businesses both large and small were devastated. Jobs simply disappeared. Local governments were devastated as state funds dried up. State funds heavily relied on coal severance tax that simply vanished. Governments simply could not operate like the once did.
Blankenship is a coal guy through and through. He likely has a following among say tire dealer employees that lost their jobs to the war on coal. They were dependent on coal vehicles that used tires.
I have no dog in the fight but visited the state many times and saw and heard the bitter recriminations from folks who could do nothing to make it all go away. A return of coal prosperity might be best assured by electing Blankinship
