If Sen Byrd DID have to step down for health reasons...who'd be appointed to replace him?

[Ken Burch]

Your governor is a Dem. I assume he'd appoint another Dem if he still has the power to appoint to fill vacancies(our governor in AK doesn't anymore). Just wondering who the potential candidates are?

[davidinalameda]

1. I've seen where Manchin would appoint a place holder, so to speak

so he could then run in the next election

I saw the name of one of the former party chairs mentioned

[neverlander]

2. that's easy

Ann Barth

[Ken Burch]

4. Don't know about her. Could you give me some info?

n/t.

[Staph]

5. Anne Barth

has run Senator Byrd's West Virginia office (and managed his re-election campaigns) for two decades. After State Senator John Unger withdrew from the race against Capito, Barth resigned from her job and filed for the race. I would guess that 20 years under the tutelage of Robert C. Byrd is excellent on the job training!

West Virginia Blue has been following her since the announcement in January. For more, see http://wvablue.com/tag.do?tag=Anne+Barth

[MadAnne]

3. Nick Casey.

He would "keep the seat warm" and then Manchin would run. For this to work though Senator Byrd would have to live a bit longer. Not to be ghoulish.

[davidinalameda]

7. that's the name I heard

I'd rather see a woman appointed though

[pwdgroup]

6. Hope Its Not So... But

I heard a vicious rumor that if Byrd would step down, Kanawha County Commission Pres Kent Carper may be appointed.... which I pray to God never happens.

Remember this....True or Not (more true, then not)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2952945

[Lasher]

8. My guess is, Governor Manchin would appoint himself.

Interesting angle about Anne Barth though.

[MadAnne]

9. If it happens soon I think you are

right. Manchin hasn't even run for his second term. I think the scenario with Casey would have to be in a couple of years. I've even heard he might appoint his wife. Manchin kinda approaches being governor like being king. I can't really see him as a senator.