Manchin Traveling, Tomblin Moving North

Aug 30, 2009

A West Virginia tradition has been for the Governor to crown the Queen at the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins.  The Inter-Mountain has reported Governor Manchin will be on an out-of-country trip.

Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin (D – Logan District 7th) will crown Maid Silvia.  Tomblin is West Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor.

The political twist to all this is in 2004 Governor Bob Wise did not crown Maid Silvia.  Then former President of Davis & Elkins College Dr. G. Thomas Mann did the honors.  Tomblin was Lieutenant Governor in 2004.

Why is this year different?   Could it be that Rammie Baker, Tomblin’s chief of staff told reporter Carra Higgins, “…..Senator Tomblin is a major contender for the governorship in 2012, but has not yet made up his mind about running.”

President Tomblin added to the 2012 speculation when Higgins reported he understands the significance his representation will mean, “…actually tieing in both parts of the state, north and south, as one.”