Tomblin Officially Sworn In

• {Charleston, West Virginia}...Governor Earl Ray Tomblin was officially sworn in Sunday after serving a year as acting governor. The long-time legislator became acting governor when former Governor Joe Manchin vacated the seat for the U.S. Senate after the death of Robert C. Byrd. Manchin spoke at the inauguration, saying Tomblin was a vital part of the Manchin administration and a true public servant who will take the state into the future. Manchin said Tomblin is the "right leader at the right time" for West Virginia, and he believes Tomblin will continue to be fiscally conservative and maintain the state's balanced budget. West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Justice Margaret Workman administered the oath of office. Before taking the oath, Tomblin officially resigned both his post as Senate president and senator from the 17th district. A committee from that district is expected to select a replacement soon.