With Supreme Court’s backing, Tomblin swiftly appoints new Mingo judge

The state Supreme Court, stopping an attempted end-around by Mingo County ballot commissioners, ruled that a family court judge vacancy should be filled by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and not a November election.

Justices ruled against the Mingo ballot commissioners Wednesday, saying state code is clear on the governor’s power to fill the seat.

Tomblin named Sabrina Deskins to the post within an hour after the Supreme Court ruling.

The court ruled the Mingo County ballot group had no authority to declare an open seat for the judge’s post. After ballot commissioners decided last month there would be an election for the opening, the Mingo County Democratic executive committee chose Duke Jewell for the ballot. Secretary of State Natalie Tennant challenged the decision and filed action with the Supreme Court.

The vacancy was created earlier this year when the governor appointed former Family Court judge Miki Thompson to be the new Mingo County circuit judge.

“Judge Thompson has a strong track record of working for West Virginia families and continues to serve the people and families of Mingo County in her role as circuit judge,” Tomblin said in a news release. “Sabrina’s legal and professional background in the family court system will help her to serve the people of Mingo County well in her new role as family court judge.”