In December 2014, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announces indictments in the Freedom Industries chemical leak investigation. Goodwin resigned Monday as the top federal prosecutor in Southern West Virginia, a necessary step if, as many observers expect, he runs for governor.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin is resigning from office, less than a month after completing one of the highest-profile criminal cases in West Virginia history, and paving the way for a widely anticipated run for governor.
Goodwin announced his resignation Monday afternoon after a meeting with his staff. The resignation is effective at the end of 2015. An announcement from Goodwin’s office said he is returning to private law practice.
While he made no announcement about his political future, Goodwin has been considering a run for governor for months.
“I’m not prepared to say at this point,” Goodwin said Monday, when asked about a possible run for governor.
A campaign announcement could come as early as next week.
Goodwin had to step down as a federal prosecutor before he could begin any campaign activity, including fundraising…
