Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has three northern panhandle residents to choose from to be the next state senator from the 1st District.
Sen. Orphy Klempa recently resigned after being elected to the Ohio County Commission. Klempa was sworn-in to that position this week.
The 1st District Senatorial Democratic Executive Committee interviewed those interested in the senate job Thursday and chose three for the governor to consider.
Wheeling attorney Rocky Fitzsimmons may have the inside track. Fitzsimmons is the co-chairman of the Ohio County Democratic Party and Klempa is supporting him for the seat.
The committee also chose Sam Love of Weirton, a former member of the House of Delegates and a current legislative lobbyist.
Gov. Tomblin will also have the name of Wheeling Fire Dept. Lt. David Palmer to consider.