CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- With the general election just weeks away, West Virginia voters have yet to hear much from third parties seeking to influence how they cast their ballots in the state Supreme Court race.

The virtual absence of independent groups in the two-seat contest contrasts with their hefty spending seen during the primary phase.

Non-candidates poured at least $800,000 into ad campaigns before May 13. That's more than was spent by the candidates in any other statewide primary race, including the one for governor.

The silence appears to be part of a trend seen in at least a half-dozen other states that are electing judicial officials this year. But it's also a trend that could change suddenly, according to a nonpartisan group tracking such ads.

Read more in Monday's Charleston Gazette.

The virtual absence of independent groups in the two-seat contest contrasts with their hefty spending seen during the primary phase.

Non-candidates poured at least $800,000 into ad campaigns before May 13. That's more than was spent by the candidates in any other statewide primary race, including the one for governor.

The silence appears to be part of a trend seen in at least a half-dozen other states that are electing judicial officials this year. But it's also a trend that could change suddenly, according to a nonpartisan group tracking such ads.

Read more in Monday's Charleston Gazette.