{Hamlin, West Virginia}...The Lincoln County Commission has appointed Michael Browning of Harts to fill the seat vacated by Thomas Ramey. Browning will serve until after the November election for Ramey's unexpired term. Ramey, who resigned last month, faces a plea hearing next Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Charleston after being charged in an election fraud investigation. The case stems from a conspiracy to sway Lincoln County's 2010 Democratic primary with fraudulent absentee ballots. Prosecutors allege Ramey lied to an FBI agent about absentee ballot applications. Two other officials charged in the investigation, former Sheriff Jerry Bowman and former county Clerk Donald Whitten, face sentencing August 29th. Both men have resigned.
