Governor Tomblin has appointed Speaker Rick Thompson as Secretary of Veterans Assistance, effective in mid-June.  The Governor's press release is included below.  As you would expect, the race to replace the Speaker started immediately!  Likely candidates include House Finance Chairman Harry Keith White (Mingo), Kanawha County Delegate Doug Skaff, House Judiciary Chairman Tim Miley, and House Majority Leader Brent Boggs (Braxton).  A Special Session for purposes of electing a new Speaker is expected to be called in mid to late June.