Delegate Thompson Comes Up For Air - UPDATED

MIA Delegate Ron Thompson has replied to the ultimatum issued via certified mail last week by House Speaker Rick Thompson, D-Wayne and no relation.

The speaker's office said it received the written response today. Its contents won't be divulged, however, until the House Rules Committee meets after Thursday's floor session.

UPDATE: Citing an unnamed "close relative," the Register-Herald of Beckley reports Thursday that that no-show delegate is claiming a medical problem but plans to return to the House on Feb. 5.

A Wednesday Register-Herald story said the Raleigh County Democrat had failed to answer a traffic citation in Beckley Municipal Court on Tuesday. The paper reports this morning that Thompson's ticket has been paid.