Kessler Positioned to Lead Senate

by: Jeremiah

Thu Nov 18, 2010 at 01:08:23 AM EST

After what was apparently a pretty interesting Senate meeting, Senator Jeff Kessler of Marshall County has positioned himself as the front runner to take charge of the Senate as Governor Tomblin presides over the State as the acting chief executive.  

This is excellent news for progressives and a great turn of events for West Virginia.  Kessler is currently the Senate Judiciary Chairman and one of the sharpest legal minds in the State.  Many progressives may recall his impassioned defense of anti discrimination legislation over the past few years.  Kessler has also taken strong stances on health reform issues; limiting the influence of money on WV elections; and eliminating the regressive sales tax on food to name a few of many strong policy positions.  In a move that may not sit well for some liberals but that I personally feel strongly about, Kessler has also been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, making national news by taking on Mayor Bloomberg's unconstitutional gun stings out of NYC.

According to the Daily Mail, the vote to choose the next leader of the Senate came down to Kessler, Green, and McCabe.  I do not know much about Green, but I think Brooks McCabe could be the most innovative policymaker in West Virginia.  McCabe threw his support to Kessler, and likely the support of his Kanawha delegation, and pushed Kessler over the top.

As Senate President Pro Tempore and the de facto leader of Senate Democrats, Kessler would be able to shake up the current leadership.  We could potentially see someone like McCabe as Senate Finance Chair and a replacement for the unpopular Majority Leader, Truman Chafin.  Not sure if these moves will take place but the most important position in the Senate would belong to one of the State's best Democrats.  Here is to Senator Kessler and hoping that he leads the upper chamber this coming Session.  Better days are coming for West Virginia.