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WV Senate Approval of Supreme Court Appointments Sought
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – A resolution introduced in the West Virginia Legislature seeks to require that Supreme Court justice appointments by the governor be confirmed by the Senate.
The resolution introduced in the Senate on Monday was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is sponsored by Republicans Patricia Rucker and Mike Azinger. If approved it would place a constitutional amendment before voters.
State code allows the governor to appoint temporary justices to the court upon a vacancy until a special election can be held.
Last year Gov. Jim Justice appointed two Republican lawmakers to the court after two justices resigned. Ex-House Speaker Tim Armstead and former Congressman Evan Jenkins then were elected by voters in November.
Justice also appointed Raleigh County Circuit Judge John Hutchison to fill the seat of convicted former Justice Allen Loughry. Hutchison will serve until a 2020 election.