State of West Virginia

Big money already flowing Into judicial elections

Close to four months after the Supreme Court's landmark ruling to roll back restrictions on corporate political spending, conservatives continue to downplay its significance.

States act to revise judicial selection

A growing number of states are rewriting their rules on selecting judges to curb the influence of special interests on judicial contests.

Election legislation could attract lawsuits

West Virginia officials may wind up in court over a pair of measures passed this legislative session that would change how elections are conducted.

Supreme Court public campaign finance bill signed

Manchin had proposed such a bill as a pilot project to gauge the success of publicly financed campaigns in West Virginia.

W.Va. lawmakers approve judicial nominations bill

West Virginia could soon make permanent the practice of governors filling empty seats in the state's court system with nominees recommended by a committee.

Group questions constitutionality of judicial public finance system

Legislation setting up a public financing system for West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals elections could land the state in a lawsuit over its constitutionality, according to an organization involved in legal action over a similar law in Wisconsin.

W.Va. voters want candidates to use taxpayer money, poll shows

A recent poll shows that a majority of West Virginia voters support public financing of state Supreme Court elections.

W.Va. getting attention for election funding bill

Several national groups are taking sides on legislation, approved Monday in the state Senate, that would offer public funds to future candidates for West Virginia's Supreme Court.

Judicial changes proposed at Legislature

From revamping Supreme Court elections to raising the bar for county magistrates, West Virginia lawmakers are advancing a number of proposals this session to change the state's judicial branch.

Public financing bill moves on

Governor Joe Manchin's public financing election bill is moving forward at the legislature. The measure passed the House Judiciary Committee Monday.

In W.Va., plans to reshape supreme court

Gov. Joe Manchin and the state Supreme Court hope to shore up public confidence in a West Virginia judicial system that has been scrutinized by the nation's highest court and branded a hellhole by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Manchin has two judicial reform bills

Gov. Joe Manchin plans to introduce two pieces of legislation focusing on judicial reform during this year's legislative session.