After a ruling from the state's Supreme Court ordered a special governor's race this year to replace Joe Manchin, acting Gov. Earl Ray Tamblin today announced that the election will be Oct. 4.

From his office:

“After consulting with the Secretary of State, and reviewing the West Virginia Constitution, the October 4, 2011 date became the obvious choice for the new election,” Governor Tomblin said. “This date provides the Secretary of State’s Office with ample time to certify the election results. This date also enables the newly-elected Governor to take the oath of office prior to November 15, 2011 as mandated in the opinion of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals which was issued earlier this week.”