This article is part of a series created to help voters become familiar with the candidates running for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Each candidate was asked the same six questions, and we are sharing their responses exactly as they were given to us. This series aims to provide a clear and direct look into each candidate’s views on issues that matter to the people of West Virginia.

This article’s focus is on Larry D. Kump, the Republican Party candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 94. Let’s dive into his responses to learn more about his priorities for the state.

1. What is your position on religious freedom, and how does your faith and role as delegate work together?

“My faith and my political principles are so deeply entwined that I simply cannot separate them. However, my faith also tells me to respect others' faith, so I never try to impose my faith upon others' faiths (even those with no faith), especially in my elected office responsibilities.  Freedom of Religion (or lack of religion) is enshrined in our Constitutional right (First Amendment).”

2. Some believe public schools should be the only option for parents. What is your stance on a parent’s right to choose the best education for their child?

“I am a huge school choice advocate and believe that education tax dollars always should follow the students. Further, competition from other education programs is an impetus for elected leaders to improve public education for those who do not opt into other educational choices.”

3. The HOPE Scholarship allows parents to align their child’s education with their values. With the program set to expand to all K-12 students in two years, what actions would you take to support its growth?

“The Hope scholarship program provides better choices for students, and I strongly support it as a good public policy that will help all of us in West Virginia.”

4. Do you have any K-12 children or grandchildren in school? If so, did they attend public or private school, or homeschool in West Virginia?

“While I do not have any children or grandchildren currently living in West Virginia, I have 13 children, one of whom was adopted by me.”

5. Please describe your professional background and why it equips you to lead West Virginia effectively.

“I am a retired public administrator (the criminal justice and the public advocacy arenas). I also am a certified arbitrator and previously served as an editor of a monthly magazine. More details about my history and philosophy is available @ www.KumpWV.com and also www.LarryKump.com.“

6. What does conservatism mean to you, and how would you differentiate it from liberal values on the three most pressing challenges facing our state?

“My philosophy is "Principles over Politics". I am a liberty-minded Christian and Constitutional conservative and pro-life family man, who always votes my conscience, regardless of my Republican political party affiliation.”