WAYNE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Under the cloak of secrecy, Governor Jim Justice has received a second list of those recommended to replace 19th District Republican Delegate Derrick Evans, who resigned recently.
Earlier, Wayne County Republican Chair Jeff Maynard had convened the committee, adhering to state law. But Acting State Chair Roman Stauffer intervened and brought committee members and potential candidates together at the Wayne County Courthouse Thursday evening.
Interviews were again conducted under the leadership of Stauffer and National Committeewoman Beth Bloch. Only the members of the district committee were permitted to vote on recommendations, however.
The committee convened by County Chair Maynard sent the names of Mark Ross, Jay Marcum and Chad Shaffer to Justice. Stauffer’s group chose Shaffer, Ross and Josh Booth.
Interestingly, this newspaper reported yesterday that rumors in Wayne maintained that State Senator Mark Maynard, a Wayne Republican, was unhappy that Booth was not on the original list. Mark Maynard’s mother is a member of the committee that made the selection.
Thus, Justice apparently has two lists to choose from. Ross and Shaffer are on both; with Marcum on one and Booth on the other.
While submitting two lists appears contrary to state law, the governor might solve the controversy by picking from the two on both lists.
According to state law, Justice has five days from the time he receives the names to designate a replacement.
