EKB News

WEST VIRGINIA....
A legislative subcommittee charged with brainstorming recommendations for how the state should replace any governor who does not complete his or her full term in office has discussed the possibility of the state treasurer  being next in line to succeed the governor when a vacancy occurs. The subcommittee asked legislative staff to draft six bills for discussion at its December meeting, each outlining a different path for gubernatorial succession. They range from leaving the current process largely intact to having the governor run with a state treasurer as a running mate so the treasurer could replace him or her should a vacancy occur. Most states have separate offices of lieutenant governor, unlike the Mountain State, where lieutenant governor and Senate president are one and the same. Other options include having another statewide officer holder run for election in tandem with the governor and having the Senate president fill the vacancy but require them to resign their Senate seat.