Who potentially has the most to gain for certain if West Virginia decides to hold a special election this fall? State Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, maybe.
It is well known that Governor Joe Manchin wants to serve in the United States Senate. It has also been rumored that Earl Ray Tomblin would not object to serving as state governor. Right now he is second in succession and would assume office should Joe Manchin run for, and win election to the Senate. Should that happens, he would have two years to serve as incumbent governor, sweeping the field of Democratic challengers and putting him in strong position against a Republican nominee.
This would thwart the alleged gubernatorial aspirations of Secretary of State Natalie Tennant who would be in a much better position if the special senatorial election took place in 2012. Her interpretation of state election laws serves her very well and does not threaten the Governor's aspirations. However there is a special session of the State Legislature looming on July 19th in which they could choose, according to Hoppy Kercheval, to "clean up" the election law. If Tomblin wants to force the issue and perhaps become governor, he is definitely in the driver's seat as Senate President. Add to that the fact that it is simply more democratic to give the choice to the people sooner rather than later.
Britain calls election years the "silly season." It is going to get a lot more interesting than usual this coming month.
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