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West Virginia Gov Taps Ex-Speaker, Congressman to High Court
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has appointed a Republican ex-House speaker and a congressman to fill interim state Supreme Court openings created amid impeachment proceedings.
Justice announced Saturday that ex-Speaker Tim Armstead and Rep. Evan Jenkins are replacing Menis Ketchum and Robin Davis. Justice said he wanted appointees who would run for the seats in November.
Armstead had previously expressed interest in running for the court and resigned his legislative post Tuesday. Jenkins lost a GOP U.S. Senate primary in May.
Ketchum resigned before the House impeached the court’s four other justices this month. Ketchum has pleaded guilty to a felony fraud count.
Davis retired hours after House impeachment. She, Allen Loughry, Margaret Workman, and Beth Walker face a Senate trial.
Loughry was suspended and faces a 25-count federal indictment.