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WV COUNTIES HOLDING BAG FOR SPECIAL ELECTIONS - More Special Elections On The Way? |
| (09/07/2010) |
| By Bob Weaver The 2010 special primary election has come and gone, and now counties are stuck with the bill, being uncertain about the timeliness of the state's promised reimbursement. Despite the fact voter turnout was exceedingly low, it still cost a lot of money to host the primary. Just how much has not been determined yet, but county officials could ask state lawmakers for more than the $3 million that already has been set aside to reimburse the costs. Cash-strapped Calhoun is among many WV counties that is suffering through the the un-budgeted event. Depending on who wins in November, the state could spend $8 million to $10 million more in new special elections. "If the $3 million doesn't cover all the costs that are sent to the secretary of state, then it is really not timely to wait until the 2011 (legislative) session to appropriate more," said Patti Hamilton, executive director of the West Virginia Association of Counties. Some estimates have placed the cost of the special election as high as $5 million. A survey by the association of 44 counties concluded the final cost could be closer to $4 million. Reimbursable costs include newspaper notices, mass mailings, printing and the cost of election day workers and activities. If Governor Manchin is elected in November, voters could twice head to the polls to choose his replacement as governor once for a special primary election and again for a special general election. Those additional elections could cost counties from $8 million to $10 million more, according to Hamilton. Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, would be acting governor until someone is elected to the office. Tomblin believes the election could wait until the 2012 general election. Kanawha County lawyer Thornton Cooper said he would sue unless a special election is held to fill Manchin's seat.
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