by Ron Gregory
ronjgregory@gmail.com
CHARLESTON – The state Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission has recommended four candidates to Governor Jim Justice for consideration in his appointment of a circuit judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit (Kanawha County).
Those named were Daniel Wayne Greear, Benjamin Michael Mishoe, Gary Edward Pullin and Tera Lee Salango.
The governor can appoint anyone to the position, although past governors have normally picked someone recommended by the JVAC. The commission’s chair, Debra Scudiere, sent the names to Justice Friday.
West Virginia judges are now selected on a non-partisan basis by voters. However, when Judge Jim Stucky, the judge who resigned last month, was chosen, he ran as a Republican.
This has caused some debate at the capitol with Republicans, such as state Chair Melody Potter, suggesting that Greear deserves the appointment. He is the only registered Republican on the list.
Justice has 30 days after receiving the names to make an appointment, although some governors, such as Earl Ray Tomblin, have taken months to make their appointments.