The West Virginia legislature will meet on Sunday, July 18, to finish working out details for the bills to set rules for the special U.S. Senate election this year. See this story.
The House convenes at 4 p.m. and the Senate at 6 p.m. This story explains why the legislature is having a problem passing the bill. The bill must pass by a two-thirds vote in each house, or it can’t take effect for 90 days, which would defeat the purpose of passing the bill.
“We simply believe voters ought to have as many potential choices as possible when it comes down to who is allowed to file for office. … We want to make the field viable for all candidates and not have the deck stacked against them by the legislative process,” [Delegate Craig Blair] said.”
Well, talk is cheap. I hope Blair and a majority of other delegates will actually walk the walk on this.
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/daily_sum/today.cfm
“Senate Bill 2001, relating to the filling of vacancies in office of U. S. Senator, was also laid over a day. The House is in recess until 6:15 p.m. this evening.”
Special Election Bill Blocked
http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=38162
“It appears Gov. Joe Manchin will be forced to issue a proclamation for a special election for the U.S. Senate seat in West Virginia because the legislature can’t agree on a bill setting up the election. “
Thanks for the news, Jeff.