CHARLESTON — Supreme Court Justice Larry V. Starcher says he will not run for re-election to the bench next year.
Starcher made the announcement Thursday through the court’s news service.
“By the end of next year, I will have served the West Virginia judiciary for 32 years,” Starcher said in a press release. “It has been an honor to have worked for the people of our state for so long. I am making this announcement because there are several very good candidates who have expressed interest in running for the court in 2008. They need to know my intentions.”
Starcher’s is one of two seats up for reelection next year. The other belongs to Democrat Justice Elliott “Spike” Maynard, who has announced he will seek reelection.
The other Democrats who have filed pre-candidacy papers to run for the bench next year are: Michael Allen, Menis Ketchum, Robert Bastress and Margaret Workman. Republican Elizabeth Walker has also noted her intention to run.
In the press release, Starcher said the election would be an important one.
“I hope that we nominate true Democrats who will bring to the court the dignity and stature it enjoyed when justices like Thomas Miller, Tom McHugh and Franklin Cleckley sat on the court,” Starcher said.
Sometimes a lightning rod for controversy, the outspoken Starcher is probably most widely known for his criticism of Massey Energy chief Don Blankenship, whom Starcher once referred to as a “clown.”
Starcher attracted further attention when he told a New York Times reporter that Blankenship’s heavy financial support of Republican Justice Brent Benjamin made him want to “puke.” Starcher suggested that Benjamin’s seat on the court was bought.
He is a Roane County native, was elected chief circuit judge of Monongalia County in 1976 and presided over the trial of 20,000 asbestos injury cases and a six-month state buildings asbestos trial. He held all offices in the West Virginia Judicial Association, including President in 1992-93.
On the Supreme Court, he was chief justice in 1999 and 2003.
West Virginia
Starcher says he won’t run again for Supreme Court
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