W.Va. special election set for Senate seat held by Robert Byrd, with primary set for August

W.Va. special election for Byrd’s Senate seat set

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A last-minute legislative compromise has cleared the way for a November election to fill the late Robert C. Byrd’s U.S. Senate seat.

The measure, which sets an Aug. 28 primary and Nov. 2 general election, was passed 83-7 by the House and 29-0 by the Senate.

The compromise allows Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito to run both for Byrd’s seat and a sixth U.S. House term. She’s considered the GOP’s top prospect for winning the seat.

Gov. Joe Manchin has said it’s highly likely that he’ll also run. The Democrat appointed Carte Goodwin to succeed Byrd temporarily on Friday.

The bill had to pass during Monday’s special session to apply this fall. It also limits the discretion allowed Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, whose office oversees the special election.