Ashley given the oath of office by Senate President Bill Cole
Longtime Republican Delegate Bob Ashley from Roane County, has been selected to fill a vacancy in the WV Senate.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced the appointment of Ashley to represent the Third District in the West Virginia Senate made up of Wood, Wirt, Pleasants and part of Roane County.
The appointment fills a vacancy created when former Sen. David Nohe, R-Wood, resigned to serve on the West Virginia Parole Board.
It may be the first time in history that the seat has been filled from a non-Wood Country person.
Ashley said he found out about his selection Tuesday afternoon and was humbled and excited about the appointment, and will be looking "strongly" at running for the seat.
"I started to get encouragement with people encouraging me throughout the Senatorial District," he said. "There are some great people who also put their hat in the ring. I look forward to working with the people in the Third Senatorial District," Ashley said.
Senate President Bill Cole, R-Mercer, said he is "thrilled" to welcome Ashley into the Senate.
"Bob has been a tremendous asset to the House of Delegates throughout his nearly 30 years as a member, and I am excited to see what his expertise can bring to our body as we get ready for this important upcoming session," Cole said.
A graduate of Marshall University, Ashley is the owner of Ashley Insurance Agency in Spencer. In addition, he is a member of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of Directors for Roane General Hospital.
A former member of the state School Building Authority, he also served as a Delegate-at-Large to the Republican National Convention in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2012.
In 1984, he was elected to serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where he served consecutive terms until 1998. In 2000, he was elected again and has served for the past 15 years. He served as Minority Whip in the 70th and 71st Legislatures and Republican Leader in the 72nd and 73rd Legislatures.
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