West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice — the dog-loving, folksy multimillionaire replacing independent Joe Manchin in the Senate — is poised to become one of Congress’ primary coal defenders.
People have also been wondering what kind of lawmaker he will be after a lifetime of leading businesses — including the storied Greenbrier Hotel — and then two terms as governor. He went in as a Democrat and is leaving as a Republican.
The mogul told a television station back home that he’s interested in serving on the Energy and Natural Resources or Finance committees.
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Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, is counting on Justice being an ally of coal mining and generation, and its workers.
