Senator Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) is going to be the next President of the State Senate. Carmichael’s only rival for the position, Senator Ed Gaunch (R-Kanawha), notified Carmichael Saturday evening that he was pulling out of the race.
“Just called Mitch to concede,” Gaunch told me by text. “Need to put this behind us.”
Gaunch emerged as a candidate for the position because a number of senators expressed dissatisfaction with the operation of the Senate last session under the current leadership team, which included outgoing Senate President Bill Cole and Carmichael as the Majority Leader.
It appeared the head count was even at 11-11, but when Carmichael was able to secure the support of newly-elected Senator Kenny Mann (R-Monroe), that gave Carmichael a 12-10 advantage.
Gaunch’s concession ends what could have turned into a divisive battle for the GOP’s leadership had it gone on much longer, but the two were able to reach an accord before that happened. Carmichael told me Gaunch even wants to make one of the nominating speeches.
“I want to thank Ed for healing any division that could have occurred,” Carmichael said.
The next step will come December 4th when the Republican caucus officially throws its support to Carmichael, and then the full Senate will vote on the opening day of the session January 11th. (The Legislature will go in session on January 11th, hear new Governor Jim Justice’s State of the State speech, and then adjourn until February 8th.)
The development will put Carmichael in the second highest political position in the state, next in line for the Governorship should the Governor resign or be unable to serve. The Senate President also holds the largely honorary position of Lieutenant Governor.
“I am honored and humbled to have the support of the caucus,” Carmichael told me. “I look forward to incorporating the best and brightest ideas from all members of the Senate.”
But he also left no doubt that economic issues would dominate that agenda. “The focus is going to be on creating jobs and the economy,” Carmichael said. “We’re going to avoid any divisive social issues.”
That’s a likely reference to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which conservative Republicans advanced last session. The controversial measure failed in the Senate following an impassioned floor speech against it by Carmichael.
Meanwhile, Senator Ryan Ferns (R-Ohio) is expected to be the new Majority Leader, while Senator Craig Blair (R-Berkeley) will serve as Majority Whip.