State Senator Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, who appears likely to be named Acting President of the West Virginia State Senate during the upcoming session, has been making strides behind the scenes to unveil a new leadership team to the West Virginia Legislature when the body convenes Jauary 12.
The Senate is expect to re-elect Tomblin as Senate president for its first order of business and then to adopt Senate rules with the amendment to create the position of acting president for the upcoming session while Tomblin serves as Acting Governor. It is expected Kessler will be elected to the position.
Kessler has said he will name Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley, as Senate Majority Leader, replacing Truman Chafin, D-Mingo, in that position. Kessler also plans to name Sen. Brooks McCabe, D-Kanawha, as President Pro Tempore, a position Joe Minard, D-Harrison had occupied, and Sen. Richard Browning, D-Wyoming will be named Majority Whip.
Kessler named his committee chairmen Wednesday. Sen. Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, will be chairman of the Finance Committee with Douglas Facemire, D-Braxton, as co-chairman. Corey Palumbo has been named chairman of the Judiciary Committee(Palumbo's father was chairman of the same committee). Herb Snyder, D-Jefferson, has been named chairman of the Government Organization Committee with Mike Green, D-Raleigh as his vice chairman and Ron Stollings, D-Boone has been named chairman of the Health Committee with Dan Foster, D-Kanawha, as his vice chairman.