West Virginia Republicans eye special election for Byrd’s seat despite state law

West Virginia Republicans say they are increasingly confident that the state’s decision to forgo a special election in November to replace Sen. Robert C. Byrd will not withstand either legal or public scrutiny and they can find a candidate who will snatch the seat away from Democrats.

Attorneys for state Republicans are reviewing the law to determine whether a challenge is possible, Troy Berman, executive director of the West Virginia GOP, told FoxNews.com. But Republicans say they believe the state will reverse itself in the face of a public outcry for a special election to replace Byrd, who died Monday at age 92.

“It appears that the public feels disenfranchised by this,” said state Senate Minority Leader Mike Hall, who estimated a 50-50 chance for a special election. “The law is clear. If more than two and half years are remaining in a term, a special election is possible.”

Shortly after the Monday death of Byrd, the nation’s longest serving senator, West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant said a special election will not be held in November because state law requires candidates to file before the primary election passes, which was held earlier this year.

via FOXNews.com – West Virginia Republicans Eye Special Election for Byrd’s Seat Despite State Law.