West Virginia's attorney general has determined that Gov. Joe Manchin III can call a special election this year to fill the vacancy created by the death of Robert C. Byrd, clearing the way for a contest in November to fill the remaining two years of Mr. Byrd's term.

Mr. Manchin, who has said he prefers a special election rather than appointing someone to serve through 2012, said he would "speak with the state's legislative leadership immediately to determine how we will further proceed in order to reach a conclusion to this matter."

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