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Lawmaker Refiles Challenge Over Governor’s Residence
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – A Democratic West Virginia lawmaker has refiled a legal challenge of Republican Gov. Jim Justice’s residency.
News outlets report Delegate Isaac Sponaugle of Pendleton filed a petition Tuesday for writ of mandamus against Justice, asking the court to require the governor to live at the seat of government, as the West Virginia Constitution and state code require.
A West Virginia judge dismissed a previous petition filed by Sponaugle because he didn’t provide the state advanced notice of the lawsuit.
Justice has said several times that he does not live at the governor’s mansion in Charleston, but at his Lewisburg home in Greenbrier County. An attorney for Justice has said the governor regularly uses the mansion and complies with the constitution. Attorney Brian Abraham said the challenge is without merit and not grounded in fact.