Democrats Petition Supreme Court Over Hall’s Senate Seat

Democrats are asking the state Supreme Court which political party should replace a senator who was elected a Democrat and resigned Republican. A petition Friday by state the Democratic Party Chairwoman argues Sen. Daniel Hall should be replaced by a Democrat because it upholds the will of the voters. The Wyoming County Republican resigned effective Sunday to take a job with the National Rifle Association. He was elected senator as a Democrat in 2012 and flipped Republican after the 2014 elections, breaking a tie and giving the GOP an 18-16 majority. Two state law provisions create confusion about which party should suggest replacements to Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. A favorable decision for Democrats could deadlock the Senate. The Legislature returns to session Wednesday.