West Virginia special session sought to mull impeachment

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia legislative leaders have asked Gov. Jim Justice to call a special session to determine whether impeachment proceedings should be brought against any member of the state Supreme Court.

The request was made by Senate President Mitch Carmichael and House Speaker Pro Tempore John Overington. House Speaker Tim Armstead stepped aside to avoid the appearance of conflict. He’s considering running for a 2020 Supreme Court seat.

While Monday’s request did not mention specific court members, suspended Justice Allen Loughry pleaded not guilty in federal court last week.

Loughry is accused in an indictment of making false statements and trying to deceive others about his office renovation and about a federal subpoena, the moving of furniture from his Capitol office to his home, and improper personal use of state vehicles and a government credit card.