Manchin: No Role in Armstrong Firing

While praising Fred Armstrong's "tremendous service for the state," Gov. Joe Manchin told the Charleston Daily Mail that he was not involved in his firing as archives chief but stood by those who were.

"I have all the confidence in (state Education and Arts secretary) Kay Goodwin and her administrative heads that they would do their jobs," Manchin told the newspaper Friday. "I have all the confidence they would do the job they need to do to get the services we desire to give the people of West Virginia.

Manchin also questioned the speculated reasons behind Armstrong's ouster.

Update: The Charleston Gazette also quizzed the governor Friday.

Update II: WSAZ-TV has video of the Q-&-A with the governor.