Special Election Set for August 28

On Monday evening the Legislature approved, and the Governor signed immediately, House Bill 201 providing for a special election to pick the successor for Senator Robert C. Byrd’s seat and the election will be open to anyone who wants to file, including anyone who is already on the November ballot for another office.  Republicans in the Legislature advocated this amendment and referred to it as the “Capito” amendment since it would permit Congresswoman Capito to seek election to the U.S. Senate, as well as her seat in Congress.  However, the next morning, Congresswoman Capito announced she would not file for the U.S. Senate seat and would limit her re-election efforts to her 2nd District Congressional seat.  So far there have been two Democrats file to oppose Governor Manchin.  Former Secretary of State and longtime mining opponent, Ken Hechler, who is 95 years old, described his filing as a referendum on mountain top mining.  Also, former House of Delegates member Sheril Fletcher from Morgantown filed as a Democrat.  A number of Republicans filed, led by the most prominently known John Raese and Mac Warner, both from Morgantown.  The filing period ends today, Friday, at 5 p.m.  There will be a Primary Election on August 28th, with the Special “General” Election to be held at the same time as the already scheduled November General Election.