November 27, 2012, 8:38 PM
Capito to run for Rockefeller's US Senate seat
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — <snip>
Joined on her 59th birthday by several dozen supporters and family members, with several holding printed campaign signs, Capito announced her plans in the state Capitol rotunda. Among other issues, the 2nd District Republican touted the state's significant coal industry while decrying federal energy policies. She also cited recent GOP inroads in state government.
<snip>
"My total focus right now is on the national budget situation and the fight for West Virginia families - making sure the very wealthy finally start paying their fair share again, for the first time in decades, rebuilding a strong middle class, and creating real opportunity for those who are still struggling," Rockefeller said in a statement.
Capito was in the House of Delegates when she first ran for Congress in 2000. Her father, Arch Moore, had been Rockefeller's chief political rival several decades ago. Moore defeated Rockefeller in the 1972 race for governor, but then lost to him in a 1980 rematch.
Rockefeller narrowly won election to the Senate in 1984, while Moore completed a third term as governor but then pleaded guilty to five corruption-related felonies. After recent health struggles, he and former first lady Shelley Moore did not attend the announcement. Standing by Capito was her husband, a finance executive, along with their grown children and their families.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501363_162-57555330/capito-to-run-for-rockefellers-us-senate-seat/Oh, great. Another Republican politician with Daddy issues.
She's been in Congress since 2001 and is the only Republican in the W. Va delegation.
Supposedly, she led him in an August West Virginia poll, 48-44. (Ah, those polls!)
Like Barney Frank, who retired rather than take on a fight for his seat at age 75 (his explanation, not mine), Rockefeller may decide to quit a winner.
I never focused on Rockefeller's age before.
Meanwhile, Republicans have criticized Capito for being too moderate, so let's hope she takes that criticism to heart and makes a hard right turn.
Family money, especially like Rockefeller's, is bad enough, but I'm so over family political dynasties. As far as I am concerned, John Quincy Adams was the last good one and the low population was an excuse then.