West Virginia governor appoints chief of staff’s wife to open judge’s position

2024-12-24 21:35:03 source: category:Stocks

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Wednesday appointed the wife of his chief of staff to a vacant judge’s position.

Stephanie Abraham was picked to fill a Kanawha County circuit judge opening following the retirement of Judge Duke Bloom, whose term expires in December 2024. Abraham is the wife of Brian Abraham, Justice’s chief of staff.

Abraham is the legal counsel for the state Board of Education. She also was a law clerk for the state Supreme Court and taught business law at the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. Abraham graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 and has a law degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore.

“We’re not going to penalize a great candidate and somebody that’s as qualified as she is just because she’s a hard worker and the wife of my chief of staff,” Justice said during a media briefing Wednesday. “There is no possibility we’re going to penalize this great girl. Her career speaks for itself, and she is a great woman that has done great work. And she’ll continue to do exactly that.”

A news release later issued by the governor’s office on the appointment did not mention Brian Abraham by name.

More:Stocks

Recommend

Martha Stewart playfully pushes Drew Barrymore away in touchy interview

Martha Stewart isn't afraid to push back — literally.The TV personality playfully pushed Drew Barrym

Joseph Parker stuns Deontay Wilder, boxing world with one-sided victory

Forget Deontay Wilder vs. Anthony Joshua. Wilder could be finished as an elite fighter.Joseph Parker

Where to watch 'Christmas Vacation' movie: Cast, streaming details, TV airtimes

It's time for a little "Christmas Vacation" on your Christmas vacation.The 1989 comedy from National