In front of a joint meeting of the Legislature, and broadcast on TV and radio to a statewide audience, Justice said, “I won’t be your Governor for a whole lot longer, but I surely won’t go away. You’ll probably be able to find me at home or you may find me in Washington.” [Emphasis added]

Justice is known for saying what occurs to him at the moment, but that sounded purposeful. “You may find me in Washington.” That comment before that audience added to the speculation that Justice is going to run for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Joe Manchin in 2024. …

“I’m seriously considering running for the Senate,” he said, adding that he promises to pay full attention to the Governor’s responsibilities through 2024. Then, when pressed on how close he is to making a decision he said, “I’m way down the road as far as my mind being made up,” adding that he is “probably” going to run.

[It may end up being reciprocal. It has long been rumored that Manchin has grown sick of the Senate and wants to go back to being governor again. Good luck getting elected now, though. — Ed]