by Ron Gregory
ronjgregory@gmail.com
CHARLESTON – Governor Jim Justice, who recently changed his party registration from Democrat to Republican, announced today that Nick Casey will no longer serve as his chief of staff.
Speculation had run rampant since Justice made his party switch known at a rally for President Donald Trump in Huntington. Politicos wondered how long Democrat loyalists would survive on Justice’s staff. Casey is a well-known former Democrat state chair who has long been an activist in the party. In addition, he was the 2014 Democrat nominee for second district congress.
“Nick Casey is a friend and a good man,” Justice said in announcing Casey’s departure. “There’s no question we all tried very hard during the legislative session to get things done. I wish we could have done better. I’ve given this a lot of thought and going forward I just didn’t see any pathway were it would work out.”
The governor added, “I appreciate the work Nick Casey has done and wish him well in the future.”
Justice will be holding a press conference tomorrow at the capitol where further staff adjustments are expected to be announced.