Democratic lawmaker's challenge to governor's residency continues

A Democratic lawmaker continues to challenge Gov. Jim Justice in court for failing to live in Kanawha County, with a hearing in the case set for next week.

Delegate Isaac Sponaugle, D-Pendleton, filed a petition for writ of mandamus against Justice last summer for allegedly living at his Lewisburg home instead of at the Governor’s Mansion in Charleston. The West Virginia Constitution and state law require the governor to “reside at the seat of government.”

Kanawha Circuit Judge Charles King indicated skepticism regarding how any order compelling Justice to live at the mansion could be enforced or what it would look like. Attorneys for the governor have leaned into King’s line of questioning in their arguments.

King dismissed the original lawsuit after finding Sponaugle failed to file prior notice with the state of his intent to sue. The state Supreme Court declined to take the case up on appeal.

Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/politics/democratic-lawmaker-s-challenge-to-governor-s-residency-continues/article_fcbc0bac-45d8-56eb-a6a9-eb4f175a77b2.html