Four names are being submitted to Gov. Patrick Morrisey as recommendations for appointment to a state Supreme Court vacancy.
They include:
- Thomas Ewing, circuit judge in Fayette County;
- Dan Greear, judge on the West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals and former chief counsel for the West Virginia House of Delegates;
- Todd Kirby, circuit judge in Raleigh County and former state delegate;
- Shawn Morgan, managing member at Steptoe & Johnson’s Bridgeport office and a former assistant United States attorney;
The recommendations were made by members of the Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission following interviews with 15 candidates earlier this week.
The recommendations are for filling the Supreme Court position previously held by Justice Beth Walker, who retired June 27.
In West Virginia, when a judicial position on the Supreme Court of Appeals becomes vacant before the end of a term, the governor appoints a replacement from a list of qualified candidates submitted by the Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission.
According to state code, the commission has 90 days from the occurrence of the vacancy to interview applicants and submit 2 to 5 names to the governor. Gov. Patrick Morrisey then has 30 days to make an appointment.
The appointee serves until the next general election, at which point they can run to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.
Walker’s current term was set to end on Dec. 31, 2028, so Governor Morrisey will pick a new justice to serve for now.