Hotline On Call

LOGAN, W.Va. -- Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin focused his energy on rallying his base on Saturday, speaking to about 100 supporters in his home County of Logan before leading the crowd to City Hall to vote in the special gubernatorial election.

Steering clear of the more controversial topics that have roiled the race -- an alleged extortion plot against him, a negative ad campaign and late-night text messages tying him to President Obama -- Tomblin kept his focus on local issues during his brief remarks. He doubled down on his message that the state was on the right path, and financially healthy.

He noted that West Virginia was one of a handful of states that ended the year budget surplus, and the touted the fact the they were lowering taxes. "Things are going well with West Virginia," Tomblin said, nothing that new companies that were moving into the state. "That's what we were trying to do this entire campaign, it's been my message all along, is to be able to create more jobs and lower taxes for West Virgina."

Tomblin acknowledged the race was tight as he urged the crowd to help get out the vote.

"I think most people are pleased with the direction we're going," said Tomblin in an interview with Hotline On Call, when asked about the attempts to tie him to Obama. "I think the people in West Virginia are pleased with the way we're handling our government here in West Virginia."

Meanwhile, businessman Bill Maloney is also spending Saturday revving up his base, with events focused on the northern part of West Virginia 3 days before Election Day.

Saturday was the final day of early voting prior to the October 4 election.