| Posted by Clem Guttata
 From an email:
Today state Senator Jeff Kessler (D-Marshall) called on acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D-Logan) to publicly announce his support of the clear and decisive will of the majority of the members of the Democratic caucus as expressed by their votes taken on December 13th.
In a closed door meeting between Tomblin and Kessler on December 16th, Tomblin agreed to issue a public acknowledgement of his support for the caucus decision; however to date, none has issued. " I ask that the acting Governor come forward now to clearly and unequivocally clarify his position" Kessler states.
During a long caucus with spirited debate, a majority of members (by a vote of 16- 12) voted to support the adoption of Senate Rules which will permit the members of the Senate to elect, rather than Tomblin appoint, a presiding officer to lead the body. The members further voted to elect Kessler to serve in the role of "acting President" assuming Tomblin is chosen as President which would trigger his immediate departure from the Senate floor.
Those numbers have now grown to a 17 to 11 advantage among caucus members who support the "right to vote" position. Kessler's supporters are adamant in their "right to vote" for the Senate leader who will actually guide the 80th Legislature which begins on January 12th.
The majority's position will preserve and protect the West Virginia Constitution by eliminating any potential for the exercise of control over the Senate--one of the two legislative branches-- by the executive branch of acting Governor Tomblin. Kessler maintains that such consolidation of power in the hands of one individual is improper, unprecedented and unconstitutional.
Kessler states "That by a convincing margin, the caucus has spoken. We won this vote "fair and square. It is now time for the non prevailing Democrat members and leaders to acknowledge those results, join together and permit the Senate to organize in preparation to serve our citizens during the upcoming legislative session. West Virginia has a sad and storied history of election shenanigans whereby the losers have attempted to reverse, manipulate and/or steal an election. Those days have no place in West Virginia politics ever again! The future of West Virginia depends on an honest and courageous break from any past practices that have only served to stigmatize and hold us back! It is a New Day in West Virginia and the principled members of the caucus who have bravely stood up are ready, able and willing to take West Virginia to the next level. "It is not only our time," Kessler says "Its high time to do so."
Update: For those who haven't been following this story day to day, here's the best I can figure out what's going on.
The position of Senate president is important because they pick the committee chairs and have huge influence on what pieces of legislation end up being voted on.
The current Senate rules have the Sen. president (now acting Gov.) picking the 2nd in command (now acting Sen. president). With no elected Gov. in WV, that leaves a lot of power over two branches of govt. in the hands of a single person.
The Dem. caucus came up with a solution of having the 2nd in command--who will be serving as acting Sen. president--voted on by entire caucus rather hand-picked by Sen. president.
Whenever a caucus leader ignores the will of the majority of their caucus, they risk a leadership battle. The stakes now are higher than usual.
If Tomblin loses the support of too many Dem caucus members, it is possible that someone else could be elected as Senate President when the leg. convenes, thus putting someone else in the position of acting Gov.
Further Update: Someone asked me the best way to express their opinion on this topic. Contact Tomblin's office:
Room 227M, Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: (304) 357-7801
senate.president@wvsenate.gov |
