Republican W.Va. Candidate Killed During Sandy Will Remain on Ballot

A truck makes it way through a snow-covered road in Beaver, W.Va., Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012. Superstorm Sandy has already dumped up to 2 feet of snow in West Virginia, cutting electricity to about 271,00 customers and closing dozens of roads. (Credit: AP)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A West Virginia legislative candidate will remain on Tuesday’s ballot following his death in superstorm Sandy.

A son of John Rose Sr. says a falling tree limb killed the 60-year-old Tuesday afternoon as he checked fences on his Barbour County deer farm.

Rose was a Republican running in the 47th House of Delegates district. His death triggers a special write-in candidate filing period.

Those interested in becoming write-in candidates must file with the Secretary of State’s office by 5 p.m. Thursday.

But voters can also still choose Rose. If he were to win, the governor would appoint one of three replacements recommended by a GOP committee.

Rose was challenging House Education Chair Mary Poling, a Democrat. Just over 930 county voters had cast early in-person or absentee ballots by Wednesday.