1996 West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals special election
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November 5, 1996
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| Elections in West Virginia |
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The 1996 West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals special election took place on November 5, 1996, to elect a Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia for the next four years. The election was held to complete the unexpired term of Democratic Justice Thomas B. Miller, who retired in August 1994. Democratic governor Gaston Caperton appointed Franklin Cleckley to fill the vacancy. Cleckley chose not to contest the election.
Democratic nominee and Charleston lawyer Robin Davis beat Republican nominee and Huntington attorney David M. Pancake.[1]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Robin Davis, Charleston lawyer.[2]
Eliminated in primary
- Daniel C. Staggers, Keyser lawyer, son of Harley O. Staggers, brother of Harley O. Staggers Jr., and candidate for Attorney General in 1984.[3]
- Booker T. Stephens, chief judge of the 8th judicial circuit from Welch.[4][5]
Withdrew
- Franklin Cleckley, incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals.[6]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Robin Davis | 121,569 | 45.02% | |
| Democratic | Daniel C. Staggers | 93,658 | 34.68% | |
| Democratic | Booker T. Stephens | 54,813 | 20.30% | |
| Total votes | 270,040 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Robin Davis | 318,955 | 59.43% | |
| Republican | David M. Pancake | 217,772 | 40.57% | |
| Total votes | 536,727 | 100.00% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
References
- ^ "Candidates big worry is how to get the job". Williamson Daily News. October 14, 1996.
- ^ "Voters may undo court". Williamson Daily News. February 12, 1996.
- ^ "Fund raiser to be held for Staggers". Point Pleasant Register. April 3, 1996.
- ^ "Booker Stephens". Williamson Daily News. May 10, 1996.
- ^ "Stephens to address Williamson NAACP". Williamson Daily News. November 17, 1995.
- ^ "Supreme Court candidates discuss lawsuit abuse". Williamson Daily News. March 25, 1996.
- ^ "West Virginia Blue Book - 1996 - Page 554" (PDF). West Virginia Legislature.
- ^ "West Virginia Blue Book - 1997 - Page 715" (PDF). West Virginia Legislature.