Carte Goodwin Reportedly Tapped to Replace Byrd

The Associated Press, citing three Democratic officials, reports that West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will today tap Carte Goodwin to serve in the Senate until a special election to replace former Sen. Robert Byrd, who died last month.

Goodwin, 36, is a lawyer who was Machin's chief counsel; his family is well connected in the state. He would likely serve until a planned special election in November to serve the remaining two years of Byrd's term.

Manchin will formally announce his choice at 2 p.m. Eastern this afternoon. The popular governor has signaled he is strongly considering declaring his candidacy in the special election, which the state legislature still must approve.

Goodwin is not expected to enter the special election.