CHARLESTON, W.Va. – New West Virginia House Speaker Tim Miley announced a curious choice to help him lead in the coming year.
A guest on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline” with Hoppy Kercheval, Miley said he has tapped Harry Keith White to be his House Majority leader.
White, D-Mingo, also sought the speaker’s position but backed away after it became clear he didn’t have enough votes. Miley, D-Harrison, admitted relocating White from a committee leader to Majority leader was a strategic move.
“To satisfy any concerns as to how balanced I’m going to be, I wanted to bring Harry Keith White downstairs, with me, to help manage the House and continue to move the state forward,” Miley said.
But Miley said he believes it’s a good move because White has the experience, clout and respect of the House membership.
That moves former House Majority Leader Brent Boggs, D-Braxton, to the chair of the House Finance Committee, a flip flop with White. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, will remain as House Majority Whip. Tim Manchin, D-Marion, will take over as chair of the Judiciary Committee, the position formerly held by Miley. Mary Poling, D-Barbour, will remain the chairwoman of the House Education Committee.
Miley said he put a lot of time and thought into who should get those positions.
“It was difficult, for me, because I am friends and have relationships, over the years, with all of these individuals,” explained Miley. “Many people wanted [leadership] spots that only one could be chosen.”
Miley believes he made intelligent and informed choices that will benefit the entire state.
“I tried to balance geography with competency, skill as well as seniority and other things that are brought to the table when you’re making these kinds of decisions,” said Miley. “I know not everyone is going to be happy but just trust me that we’re going to get through this and move forward and do good things for the state.”
Miley stressed he wants the committee leaders to do their jobs and he doesn’t want to get in their way.
“You need to lead from the middle. Let the committee process work, let the committee members do their job and thoroughly vet and debate bills and make amendments if that’s necessary,” Miley said.
Miley stressed, becoming House Speaker mid-term, gives him only one guaranteed year, at the top. Come November 2014, things could change.
“These appointments are for one year only and we need to get to the next election and, if the Democrats maintain the majority, and if I remain as Speaker, then I will have the opportunity to make any and all changes should the need become necessary,” said Miley.