A Republican caucus on Sunday named Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha, left, seen speaking at the statehouse with Sen. Bill Cole, R-Mercer, its candidate for House speaker. The GOP announced its slate of officers for leadership posts on both sides of the Capitol. Cole was tabbed for Senate president. The first day of the new Legislative session begins Jan. 14.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After weeks of discussion and speculation, Republicans and Democrats in the West Virginia Legislature officially nominated leaders of their respective parties during caucuses held over the weekend.
The two gatherings had markedly different tones as Democrats quietly gathered at the Capitol during a rainy Saturday morning. The halls of the building were calm, with few people lingering around to hear the voting results from both chambers. After about an hour and a half, House Democrats emerged, selecting Tim Miley, D-Harrison, as the party’s candidate for Speaker of the House of Delegates.
Miley said there was one other candidate for the position but he prevailed after several nominating speeches.
On the Senate side, Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, was unanimously selected to represent the Democrats.
Following their respective caucuses, both lawmakers said they are eager to work with the new majority party.
“We will work with the Republicans to pass legislation that improves the lives of West Virginian, whether it be from a health perspective, an educational perspective, an economic perspective,” said Miley…
