Extended Session Offers Manchin, Lawmakers Chance to Up Score in OT

The 2009 regular session proved Gov. Joe Manchin's toughest yet. His fifth since taking office in 2004, just half of his 24 non-budgetary items passed before the 60 days expired on Saturday.

As The Associated Press reports, Manchin and lawmakers could rescue some stranded measures during the extended session that the Legislature has set for May 26 to finish next year's budget.

"I'll shoot straight with you as soon as we see exactly what the differences are, how far apart they are and what we can bring back," the governor is quoted as saying. "There's still an awful lot of good policy out there to be worked on."

But AP also notes that "lawmakers have the final say regarding any revisited bills. Instead of a proclamation from the governor, the upcoming extended session results from a resolution adopted by each chamber. It limits the scope to the budget, supplemental funding measures, any needed bills relating to the federal stimulus program and anything vetoed during the regular session."

Manchin "dwelt largely on his successful agenda items Monday, touting four bills he deemed the major accomplishments of the 60 days," the article also said.

Others with coverage from Manchin's post-session press conference include Public Broadcasting, The Charleston Gazette, and The Register-Herald of Beckley.

Those checking in with local lawmakers about the session include the News and Sentinel of Parkersburg, The Intelligencer of Wheeling and the Charleston Daily Mail.