There were a lot of new faces at the state capitol Wednesday as the legislature held its opening day before recessing until Feb. 13 when the 60-day regular session will begin.
Most of the newcomers in the House of Delegates are Republicans where the ranks have grown to 46 in the 100-member House. Two of the legislative rookies hail from counties where Republicans are elected about once every generation.
Del. Danny Hamrick, R-Harrison, is the first GOP delegate from his county in 30 years. He said Wednesday’s proceedings were “slightly overwhelming” but he’s ready to get to work.
“It’s an honor to represent the people of Harrison County,” he told MetroNews during a floor session break. “I want to make sure we create a business-friendly West Virginia to give better paying jobs and create jobs for our citizens in Harrison County and the rest of the state.”
Both Hamrick and fellow Del. Josh Nelson, R-Boone, used tireless door-to-door campaigns to make their runs for office successful ones.
Nelson was taking it all in Wednesday.
“I did a lot of research before I applied for the position and made an appeal to the great people of Boone County to come up here—so I had a good feel as to what it would entail. It’s definitely as extreme honor,” Nelson said.
The coal miner says he’ll have a “big lump of coal” on his desk to remember why he’s in Charleston.
“It’s for my brothers that are underground right now and for my sisters,” Nelson said.