Massey Chief Questions Judicial Ethics Ruling

Blankenship said his support for Benjamin in 2004 was really opposition to his opponent, former Justice Warren McGraw.

"Like millions of other Americans, I contributed my time, my energy, and, yes, my money to oppose a candidate I disagreed with personally and politically," Blankenship said. "It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court's ruling is being reported as a matter of corporate influence and judicial review. This is not and was not ever about the company I have served for more than 27 years or the industry I have worked for the majority of my entire life."

Blankenship said he remains optimistic the Harman case will be decided in Massey's favor again, but questioned whether the high court's decision will help improve political debate.

"West Virginia has made significant strides since the defeat of Justice McGraw. Further improvement will only continue if West Virginians feel that they can freely exercise their right to ask for better government," he said.

Massey is the nation's fourth-largest coal producer by revenue and operates mines in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia.