CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Senate officially become whole Monday morning when Sue Cline was sworn-in to office.
Cline (R-Wyoming), of Brenton, was appointed to fill the remaining year of former Sen. Daniel Hall’s term following a ruling from the state Supreme Court released Friday.
The High Court ruled state code was clear and unambiguous that Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin must appoint a Republican to fill Hall’s seat. Hall was a Republican when he resigned but a Democrat when he was elected in 2012. The switch sparked a court battle over his replacement after Hall decided to resign to take a job with the National Rifle Association.
Cline was one of three Republicans to have their names forwarded to the governor. Gov. Tomblin appointed her Friday soon after the Supreme Court handed down its ruling.
Cline was sworn-in by Senate President Bill Cole Monday morning. The Senate is once again 18-16 in favor of Republicans.