Retirements Arise in W.Va. House

The Inter-Mountain of Elkins may have the first news of an incumbent legislator opting not to run in 2010.

Delegate Mike Ross, D-Randolph, told the newspaper that "he plans to devote more time to his business; but has not ruled out the possibility of running for an office in future."

Gov. Joe Manchin had appointed Ross to the House last January, following the death of Delegate Bill Proudfoot. Ross had been an incumbent state senator when he lost his seat to Republican Clark Barnes in 2004. Barnes also beat him in their 2008 rematch.

The Lincoln Journal reported earlier that Delegate Jeff-Eldridge, D-Lincoln, had filed to challenge Sen. Ron Stollings, D-Boone.