WV Gov Likely to Replace Byrd

This will most definitely be music to Democrats ears: West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) told Politico that it is "highly likely" he will pursue the seat previously held by the late Sen. Robert Byrd and plans to declare his exact intentions Monday in Charleston. The only obstacles, Manchin said, are "procedural." His comments come just a day after Darrell McGraw, the West Virginia attorney general, said that state law allowed a special election to replace Byrd in November. This is good news for Democrats, who have been nervous about when the election would be held since Byrd's death last month. Manchin, a popular candidate, may prompt top state Republicans to not even consider the contest.