Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Kessler Elected Acting Senate President
WEST VIRGINIA....
During a lengthy floor session Wednesday, the state Senate voted 21-12 to change its rules to create a new position of acting president, although some Senators argued the change is unconstitutional and could ultimately nullify any actions by the Senate this session. Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, was elected to the position. Senator Evan Jenkins, D-Cabell, called the rule change a "train wreck coming" that will likely be challenged before the state Supreme Court. He also said the House of Delegates could refuse to take up any bills passed by the Senate, and signed by the acting president, as invalid. Senator John Unger, D-Berkeley, who will serve as majority leader in the new Senate, argued the state constitution demands the election of an acting president while Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, is absent from the body while serving as acting governor.
During a lengthy floor session Wednesday, the state Senate voted 21-12 to change its rules to create a new position of acting president, although some Senators argued the change is unconstitutional and could ultimately nullify any actions by the Senate this session. Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, was elected to the position. Senator Evan Jenkins, D-Cabell, called the rule change a "train wreck coming" that will likely be challenged before the state Supreme Court. He also said the House of Delegates could refuse to take up any bills passed by the Senate, and signed by the acting president, as invalid. Senator John Unger, D-Berkeley, who will serve as majority leader in the new Senate, argued the state constitution demands the election of an acting president while Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, is absent from the body while serving as acting governor.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:44 PM 
