Tim Miley, Democrat from Harrison County (48th Delegate District) was elected as Speaker of the WV House of Delegates to replace Rick Thompson (D-Wayne County), who was named Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Assistance last month. Miley’s term as Speaker is for the remainder of the current 81st Legislature, which continues through this calendar year and next. Tim was first elected to the House in 2004 and has served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee for the past five years. He lives in Bridgeport, WV with his wife Susan and daughter Jordin.
Speaker Miley won by a margin of 53-44 against House Minority Leader Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha). The vote followed party lines, except for Democratic Delegate Ryan Ferns (Ohio County-3rd District), who voted for Armstead, and, of course, Miley who voted for Armstead and vice versa. The Governor called the House of Delegates into Special Session Tuesday for the specific purpose of electing a Speaker. Following the election, the House adjourned sine die as many members headed for Wheeling, where the monthly Legislative Interim Committee Meetings were held.
Also, on Tuesday, Governor Tomblin appointed retired banker, Tim Kinsey, to replace former Speaker of the House Rick Thompson as the Delegate from Wayne County’s 19th Delegate District.