CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Leaders of the West Virginia Democratic Party are still looking for a candidate with enough experience and resources to combat 2nd District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito in next year’s U.S. Senate race.
The Republican Congresswoman said she is not expecting an easy campaign.
“I know and you know, at the end of the day, that this will be a very competitive seat,” said Capito. “There’s somebody out there, and I’m going to say the longer it goes, the better I like it, but I really don’t have a say in this.”
Earlier this week, Sheirl Fletcher, a former Republican House of Delegates member, filed to run for U.S. Senate as a Democrat in 2014. It will be the Morgantown woman’s fourth U.S. Senate run.
According to the Secretary of State’s Office, those who are also in the race include Republican Scott “Cody” Regan from Salt Rock, Democrat David Wamsley from Williamstown and Martin Staunton from Beckley, an independent candidate.
A list of other potential Democratic candidates, though, have passed on the chance to replace longtime U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, including 3rd District Congressman Nick Rahall, former West Virginia Gov. Gaston Caperton, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, former U.S. Sen. Carte Goodwin, Charleston attorney Nick Preservati and Wheeling attorney Ralph Baxter.
“All I’m doing is keeping my head down and working hard,” said Capito when asked about the apparent reluctance of many Democrats to enter the race.
The 2014 primary election in West Virginia is Tuesday, May 13.