Has WV got strong candidates in the wings or will we lose another seat?

[CK_John]

I hope plan B is being worked on, so that we're not caught flatfooted again.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. Obama was crushed in WV... I don't see that state going anywhere good short term

[Staph]

7. Y'all need to look beyond the presidential election.

West Virginia office holders (at the national and state level)

U.S. Senate -- 2 Ds
U.S. Congress -- D/D/R

Governor -- D
Sec State -- D
AG -- D
Auditor -- D
Treasurer -- D
Ag Commish -- D

State Senate -- 26 D / 8 R
House of Delegates -- 69 D / 31 R


Now, you still think that we are a red state? That looks blue with a hint of purple to me.

[hughee99]

8. The breakdown looks a lot like MA did two days ago

except MA had NO R's in Washington at all, larger D majorities in both the Senate and House, and voted heavily for Obama. It's always good to start planning early, just in case.

[Alexander]

2. Joe Manchin's a popular governor there, and he's term-limited.

He seems like a good Senate candidate some time in the future.

[CK_John]

3. I wonder if he appoint himself to fill a vacancy or will the Lt Gov appoint him. n/t

[Alexander]

4. He might even appoint a placeholder who wouldn't run, like in Delaware or Massachusetts.

[CK_John]

5. Not being from WV, just hoping the DNC and the WV party are getting their plans current. n/t

[Staph]

6. There is no Lt. Governor in West Virgnia.

The next in line position is Secretary of State. The current Secretary is Natalie Tennant, who is the most likely next governor, in the 2012 election.

I don't know if the governor can legally appoint himself to a vacant senate seat. We'll have to hope that a West Virginia legal scholar chimes in....



ETA -- It's been too many years since I had West Virginia History. If the governor is unable to complete his term, next in line is the president of the Senate, Earl Ray Tomblin (D-of course). But I still think that Natalie will be the next governor.