Manchin Expected to Appoint McHugh to Court

Gov. Joe Manchin plans to announce his choice to succeed the late Supreme Court Justice Joseph Albright later today, The Associated Press reports.

But both Charleston newspapers (here and here) report that the governor will appoint retired Justice Tom McHugh, who had been filling in for the ailing Albright since last fall.

Any appointee would have to run next year to serve for what remains of Albright's 12-year term. The term expires in 2012, triggering another election then.

Update: AP covered McHugh's swearing-in ceremony. The Gazette reports that McHugh has not ruled out running to keep the seat in 2010, but will not seek a full term in 2012.