Click here to read the union's resolution

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The West Virginia AFL-CIO says it wants Gov. Joe Manchin to appoint himself to the late Robert C. Byrd's seat in the U.S. Senate, but the list of those calling for voters to pick a replacement is growing. 

The union on Tuesday released a resolution its executive board passed last Wednesday, asking the governor to appoint himself to the post "as soon as possible following the [burial] of Senator Byrd next to his dear wife Erma."  

Byrd, a Democrat and the longest-serving member of Congress in history, died last week at age 92. He was buried Tuesday in Arlington, Va. 

A Manchin spokeswoman repeated Tuesday that the governor would not appoint himself to Byrd's seat.

Manchin is scheduled to answer reporters' questions about the succession process Wednesday. According to a news advisory issued Tuesday evening, the governor will not announce an appointment, but "plans to discuss the process and answer questions related to the matter."

The union's resolution says "political maneuvering and winning the next election are considered more important to conservatives than statesmanship or promoting public policy for the greater good of our Nation."

"At this critical point in our political history, the minority party can dictate to the majority party legislation that gets to the floor, unfortunately," said Larry Matheney the West Virginia AFL-CIO's secretary-treasurer. "And every vote is so critical."

That includes federal legislation to extend unemployment benefits, he said. Senate Republicans have repeatedly blocked the measure.

Matheney said the union waited until this week to release the resolution, "out of respect for Sen. Byrd."

He acknowledged that labor leaders don't always see eye to eye with Manchin. The West Virginia Federation of Teachers, an AFL-CIO affiliate, has frequently criticized the governor.

But Matheney said union officials and the governor work well together "when it comes to big issues."

The resolution says Byrd's replacement should keep the late senator's ideals alive -- and should be a "person of vision, respectful of the Constitution, [who] understands the power and legislative duties of the Senate while having an unquestionable love of West Virginia" and its people.

Manchin is "honored to have their confidence, but the governor has said publicly that he will not appoint himself," spokeswoman Sara Payne Scarbro said. 

Last week, Secretary of State Natalie Tennant said a quirk in state law means a special election to fill the vacant Senate seat could not be held until 2012.  She later asked Manchin to call a special legislative session so the state could have an election sooner than that.

Other officials and groups are also calling on Manchin and lawmakers to change the rules.

On Tuesday, the http://www.wvbic.org/" target="_blank">West Virginia Business & Industry Council called for a special session to allow for a vote before 2012.

"West Virginians deserve a full-time senator who will represent us in the U.S. Senate, and not some temporary place holder," council Chairwoman Jan Vineyard said in a statement. 

The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and state GOP have also said voters should have a chance to pick Byrd's successor before 2012.

Meanwhile, Delegate Clif Moore, D-McDowell, said he sent a letter to Manchin asking to be considered for the appointment.

Moore said his appointment would go a long way to change the misperceptions people around the country have regarding West Virginia.

"I just think it would be a great commentary on the state of West Virginia," Moore said.

Moore, a four-term delegate, said he believes he is qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate, having worked effectively with both Democrats and Republicans in the House.

"I have a lot in common with most West Virginians," he said. "I'm not wealthy. I don't belong to any elite group or clique."   

@tag: Staff writer Phil Kabler contributed to this report. Reach Alison Knezevich at alis...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1240.