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W.Va. High Court To Hear Arguments Tuesday On Senate Vacancy
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – The state Supreme Court will hear oral arguments about replacing a senator who was elected a Democrat and resigned Republican.
The hearing is set for Tuesday afternoon.
Former Wyoming County Sen. Daniel Hall was elected a Democrat in 2012 and turned Republican after the 2014 elections, breaking a tie for an 18-16 GOP majority. Hall recently resigned.
State law is ambiguous about replacing someone who flipped parties.
A Democratic appointment would deadlock the Senate.
The court has barred any appointment until it rules.
Briefs by Republican Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, GOP Senate President Bill Cole and the state Chamber of Commerce favor a Republican replacement.
Tomblin said he would’ve appointed a Democrat. Briefs by two union groups also favor a Democrat.
The 60-day legislative session began Wednesday.