SHENANDOAH JUNCTION, W.Va. -- Several candidates running for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Robert C. Byrd say they would support a balanced-budget amendment to bring federal spending under control.

Early voting started Friday for the Aug. 28 special primary.

Democrat Gov. Joe Manchin was the only one of 14 candidates who didn't participate in Thursday night's forum at the Jefferson High School auditorium in Shenandoah Junction. His absence was noted by other candidates and the 175 people who attended the event sponsored by the League of American Voters.

Manchin sent a letter apologizing, saying he had a prior commitment at the State Fair. The letter said he would be in the Eastern Panhandle soon to discuss issues with voters.

The governor's no-show prompted Harpers Ferry resident Brett Stone to say he would vote for any candidate other than Manchin.

"These candidates showed they have an interest in the Eastern Panhandle and want our votes," Stone said.

Manchin is seen as the front-runner in a Democratic primary race against former congressman and secretary of state Ken Hechler, and former state lawmaker Sheirl Fletcher.

Candidates on the Republican side include Morgantown steel, stone and media owner John Raese, who staged an unsuccessful challenge against Byrd in 2006.

Other GOP candidates are recent 1st U.S. House District candidate Mac Warner of Morgantown; Thomas Ressler of Falling Waters; Kenneth A. Culp of Summersville; Harry C. Bruner Jr. of Charleston; Buckhannon residents Scott H. Williams and Daniel Scott Rebich; Frank Kubic of Charles Town; Lynette Kennedy McQuain of Rivesville; and Albert Howard of San Pedro, Calif.

Jesse Johnson is running as a Mountain Party candidate. He also staged an unsuccessful challenge against Byrd in 2006.

During the forum's economic portion, the candidates said federal spending must be brought under control, without hurting taxpayers.

"The financial integrity of this country is the most important thing," said Kubic.

Several candidates said the economy isn't moving forward because people are uncertain about the future and are holding on to their assets.

"Business is going to hold on to what they've got, just like families do," said Warner. "It's a natural reaction."

Responding to questions on the environment, Warner said he didn't "buy into the global warming theory."

"Yes, humans have some role, but it is so small and the books have been cooked to show something otherwise," he said.

West Virginia is the second-largest coal-producing state in the nation, and several candidates discussed the need for a diverse national energy policy.

Hechler said taxes should be modified to reduce the country's reliance on foreign oil.

Increasing the use of electric vehicles would cut dependence on foreign oil, Culp said. It would also benefit the coal industry because of the increased demand for electrical power to recharge the vehicles, he said.

In the area of foreign affairs, several candidates said the country's relationship with Israel must be kept sound. The candidates identified North Korea and Iran as threats.

The candidates were split on whether the country should continue military operations in Afghanistan.

"Many nations have tried to win in Afghanistan and they've all been defeated, so we ought to get out of Afghanistan," said Hechler.