Jeffrey V. Kessler
Encyclopedia
Jeffrey Vincent "Jeff" Kessler is a Democratic
member of the West Virginia Senate
in the United States
, representing the 2nd District since his appointment in November 1997 and subsequent reelections. In addition, Kessler serves as the incumbent President of the West Virginia Senate. According to Article 7, Section 16 of the West Virginia Constitution
, Kessler, as Senate President, is first in line to act as Governor in the event that office is vacated. Because of this, West Virginia Code 6A-1-4(b) affords him the additional title of Lieutenant Governor
. Kessler served as the Acting President of the Senate from January 12 to November 14, having been elected to the newly created post on January 12, 2011. This was the result of a series of events set into place after Governor Joe Manchin
resigned upon his election to the U.S. Senate
and Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin
set aside his legislative duties to act as Governor.
Kessler previously served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Kessler sought the Democratic nomination for governor in the May 14, 2011, primary, and was unsuccessful. Kessler is also involved in private practice, where he is a partner in the law firm Berry, Kessler, Crutchfield, Taylor & Gordon.
Kessler was born November 16, 1955 in Wheeling, West Virginia. He is the son of George Henry Kessler (1924 - 2009) and Rosemary Krupica Kessler (1930 - 1978). He is a 1974 graduate of Bishop Donahue High School in McMechen, West Virginia.
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
member of the West Virginia Senate
West Virginia Senate
The West Virginia Senate is the upper house of the West Virginia Legislature.There are 17 senatorial districts. Each district has two senators who serve staggered four-year terms....
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, representing the 2nd District since his appointment in November 1997 and subsequent reelections. In addition, Kessler serves as the incumbent President of the West Virginia Senate. According to Article 7, Section 16 of the West Virginia Constitution
West Virginia Constitution
The Constitution of the State of West Virginia is the supreme law of the U.S. State of West Virginia. It expresses the rights of the State's citizens and provides the framework for the organization of law and government. The state's founding document was ratified in 1862, a year before the state...
, Kessler, as Senate President, is first in line to act as Governor in the event that office is vacated. Because of this, West Virginia Code 6A-1-4(b) affords him the additional title of Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant governor
A lieutenant governor or lieutenant-governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction, but is often the deputy or lieutenant to or ranking under a governor — a "second-in-command"...
. Kessler served as the Acting President of the Senate from January 12 to November 14, having been elected to the newly created post on January 12, 2011. This was the result of a series of events set into place after Governor Joe Manchin
Joe Manchin
Joseph "Joe" Manchin III is the junior United States Senator representing West Virginia. Manchin, a Democrat, was Governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010...
resigned upon his election to the U.S. Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
and Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin
Earl Ray Tomblin
Earl Ray Tomblin is an American politician who serves as the 35th and current Governor of West Virginia. Tomblin is a member of the Democratic Party. Tomblin has served as President of the West Virginia State Senate for over 16 years. He became Acting Governor in 2010 following Joe Manchin's...
set aside his legislative duties to act as Governor.
Kessler previously served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Kessler sought the Democratic nomination for governor in the May 14, 2011, primary, and was unsuccessful. Kessler is also involved in private practice, where he is a partner in the law firm Berry, Kessler, Crutchfield, Taylor & Gordon.
Kessler was born November 16, 1955 in Wheeling, West Virginia. He is the son of George Henry Kessler (1924 - 2009) and Rosemary Krupica Kessler (1930 - 1978). He is a 1974 graduate of Bishop Donahue High School in McMechen, West Virginia.
External links
- West Virginia Legislature - Senator Jeff Kessler official government website
- Project Vote Smart - Senator Jeffrey V. Kessler (WV) profile
- Follow the Money - Jeff Kessler