The Charleston Gazette follows-up here on an earlier report about an energy industry political effort.

Last month, Roger Nicholson, senior vice president of the Scott Depot-based International Coal Group, sent e-mails to other mining executives suggesting they take advantage of the decision allowing companies or unions to fund independent political committees.

Nicholson’s e-mail said he had “discussions” with executives from ICG, Massey Energy, Alliance Resource Partners and Natural Resource Partners about raising money for Maynard, a former state Supreme Court Justice who switched his registration from Democrat to Republican in January.