CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Democratic officials say West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin tapped his former chief lawyer to fill the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd's Senate seat.

Three officials familiar with Manchin's decision said he picked 36-year-old Carte Goodwin. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment ahead of an official announcement.

Manchin is scheduled to present his appointee at an afternoon news conference today at the Capitol.

Goodwin was Manchin's general counsel from 2005 until early 2009.

Goodwin would hold the seat until November, when the governor wants voters to decide who will serve the final two years of Byrd's term.

Byrd was the Senate's longest-serving member when he died last month at 92.