Tag: Appointments

Senate GOP Rejects 7 Tomblin Appointees

West Virginia Republicans have rejected seven of Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s appointees, including prominent Democrats and labor leaders.

The Senate Confirmations Committee dropped them from consideration Wednesday, angering Democratic senators. Tomblin spokesman Chris Stadelman said the governor was disappointed.

State Democratic Party Chairwoman Belinda Biafore was rejected for the Women’s Commission. GOP Senate President Bill Cole said many senators considered it inappropriate for a political party chairwoman to serve on a nonpartisan board.

Kenny Perdue, state AFL-CIO president, was rejected for the Workforce Investment Board.

Democrat Elaine Harris, independent Michael Smith and Republican Troy Giatras were rejected for the Public Employees Insurance Agency board.

James Frio was rejected for the Auctioneers Board and Athletic Commission.

Anna Dailey withdrew consideration for the State Personnel Board.

Cole said senators considered 454 nominations.

W.Va. GOP Wants Election Changes in Possible Manchin Gubernatorial Bid

As U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin considers a 2016 return bid for governor, Republicans hope to block him from handpicking his Senate successor for two years.

If he reclaims his old job, the Democrat will have served enough of his Senate term that he, as new governor, could name the next senator through 2018.

With majorities in the House and Senate for the first time in more than eight decades, Republicans can stymie Manchin’s ability to name a potential replacement.

Republican House Speaker Tim Armstead said his party has already drafted an election law change requiring special elections, not appointments, in cases like Manchin’s.

Manchin first won his Senate seat in a special election after Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd died in 2010. There was debate then about special elections versus appointments.

Queen to Serve as Intergovernmental Affairs Director

Robby Queen will serve as the director of intergovernment affairs for West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

Queen worked for Tomblin when he served as Senate president, first as an intern and then as a per-diem employee. He was a special assistant to former Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin, who now serves in the U.S. Senate.

He most recently worked as a district representative for Democratic Congressman Nick Rahall.

Queen is a Logan High School graduate and attended West Virginia University.

Queen will work with regional representatives and assist with constituent issues in Tomblin’s office.

With Tomblin’s appointment Friday, Queen is slated to start work June 6.

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