Starcher Out in '08

Supreme Court Justice Larry Starcher will not seek another 12-year term next year, the court announced Thursday.

"By the end of next year, I will have served the West Virginia judiciary for 32 years. It has been an honor to have worked for the people of our State for so long," Starcher, a former circuit judge, said in the release. "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."

The Associated Press has coverage, as does MetroNews and The Charleston Gazette.

Starcher explained to the latter that his statement in the release meant “Don’t elect any incumbents." Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard, who like Starcher won his high court seat in 1996, is running for re-election.