Huge surprise

In what many would consider a huge political surprise, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin said today that he would not appoint himself to the U.S. Senate if long-serving Sen. Robert C. Byrd would vacate his seat.

The governor, at The News and Sentinel Tuesday stumping for his legislative agenda, said he enjoys being governor and has no intention of leaving the office before his term is finished. Taking it one step farther, the governor said he would not appoint himself to fill a vacancy created upon Byrd leaving the Senate.

Wow! I certainly didn't expect such a commitment. I expect the governor to tap dance around the question without really puttting such a definite "no" on it.

There has been months of speculation that when Byrd left office, Manchin would appoint himself to the seat, but Manchin put that speculation to rest.

Now, it will be interesting to see if he sticks to his guns.