Interest peaks for Berger’s seat on bench
by admin on 10/07/09 at 6:20 am
Charleston Daily Mail
By Cheryl Caswell
July 10, 2009
CHARLESTON, W.Va.–Interest in a possible vacancy on the Kanawha Circuit Court is building again, now that Judge Irene Berger has been nominated for a federal position.
Berger, who knew she was being considered as a replacement for U.S. District Judge Dave Faber in West Virginia’s Southern District, was nominated by President Barack Obama on Wednesday. The U.S. Senate still must confirm her.
She was re-elected, without a challenge, to the circuit court last November to another eight-year term. Gov. Joe Manchin will appoint her replacement, who would serve through 2010. State law would require the position to be placed on the 2010 primary and general election ballots.
Matt Turner, the governor’s communications director, said Manchin has not received any formal applications for Berger’s position. A commission would be formed to review candidates and make a recommendation to the governor, he said.
“But that seat’s not vacant yet,” Turner said. “And we don’t know the time frame of the confirmation process. We’ll work with the chief circuit judge to assure that there won’t be a vacancy for too long and the needs are being met.”
