CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Two prominent Republicans are seeking to fill a Supreme Court seat vacated amid a spending scandal.
U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins and House of Delegates Speaker Tim Armstead are among nine candidates who applied to be considered for the seat of Justice Menis Ketchum, who retired. Republican Gov. Jim Justice will appoint an interim replacement to hold the seat until an election is held in November.
Five other candidates have filed to run for Ketchum’s seat. One candidate has filed to run for the seat vacated Monday by Justice Robin Davis. Jenkins said he intends to run for one of the seats. Armstead hasn’t declared his candidacy.
Davis retired after lawmakers voted to impeach her and three other justices. If the three others are convicted, Justice also would be able to name their replacements.
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This story has been edited to clarify the Republican candidates’ actions.
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