Earl Ray Tomblin

Earl Ray Tomblin is an American politician who served as the 35th governor of West Virginia from 2011 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, Tomblin's political career spans several decades, including extensive service in the West Virginia Senate, where he held the position of Senate President for nearly seventeen years. He became acting governor in late 2010 and subsequently won a special election to complete the remaining term of his predecessor. Tomblin's governorship was marked by his involvement in various legislative matters and his approach to state governance, particularly in relation to social issues and economic policies.

Early life and career

Earl Ray Tomblin was born on March 15, 1952, in Logan County, West Virginia. He is the son of Freda M. Jarrell and Earl Tomblin. His early life in West Virginia shaped his understanding of the state's challenges and opportunities. Tomblin pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia University, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from Marshall University, further enhancing his qualifications for a career in public service.

Tomblin began his political career in 1974 when he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates. He successfully secured re-election in 1976 and 1978, demonstrating his growing influence in state politics. In 1980, he transitioned to the West Virginia Senate, representing the 7th district, which includes Boone, Lincoln, Logan, and Wayne counties. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Tomblin was re-elected every four years, establishing himself as a prominent figure in West Virginia politics.

In 1995, Tomblin was elected as the 48th President of the West Virginia Senate, a position he held for nearly seventeen years, making him the longest-serving Senate President in the state's history. His leadership in the Senate was characterized by a focus on legislative processes and governance, and he became the first individual to serve as Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia following the creation of that office in 2000. This role allowed him to gain further experience in executive leadership and state administration.

Governorship

Tomblin's path to the governorship began when he became acting governor in November 2010, following the resignation of Joe Manchin, who had been elected to the U.S. Senate. As acting governor, Tomblin also retained his title as Senate President, although he did not engage in legislative duties during this period. His tenure as acting governor was a critical time for West Virginia, as he navigated the transition of leadership and prepared for the upcoming special election.

In accordance with West Virginia's constitution, a special election was required to fill the remaining term of the governorship. Tomblin announced his intention to run for the position and successfully won the Democratic primary against several contenders. He faced Republican nominee Bill Maloney in the general election, which took place on October 4, 2011. Tomblin emerged victorious and was sworn in as governor on November 13, 2011, after resigning from the state senate.

In 2012, Tomblin sought re-election for a full term and faced Maloney again in a rematch. He successfully won the election, solidifying his position as governor. During his time in office, Tomblin endorsed fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election, aligning himself with national party leadership.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout his governorship, Tomblin focused on various policy issues that affected West Virginia residents. He held a notable stance on abortion, identifying as anti-abortion. However, he faced challenges in this area, particularly when he vetoed legislation aimed at banning abortions after 20 weeks. His vetoes were based on concerns regarding the constitutionality of the proposed laws. Despite his opposition to the legislation, the West Virginia legislature ultimately overrode his veto in 2015.

Tomblin's approval ratings varied during his time in office. Early in his governorship, he enjoyed a high approval rating, with surveys indicating a 69 percent approval in May 2013. However, by September 2013, his approval rating had decreased to 47 percent, reflecting the complexities of governance and public perception.

As Tomblin approached the end of his term, he faced constitutional limitations that barred him from seeking a second full term in 2016. Under state law, a partial term counts toward the limit of two consecutive terms, which impacted his ability to continue in office.

In his personal life, Tomblin is married to Joanne Jaeger, a graduate of Marshall University, and they have one son. Joanne served as the president of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College from 1999 to 2015. The couple resides in Chapmanville, West Virginia, and Tomblin is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Logan.

Earl Ray Tomblin's tenure as governor of West Virginia is marked by his extensive experience in state politics and governance, as well as his commitment to addressing the issues facing the state. His leadership in both the Senate and as governor reflects a long-standing dedication to public service and the complexities of managing state affairs.