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Capito files paperwork for re-election bid

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Sen Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is officially running for a second term.

Capito submitted the necessary paperwork to be a candidate on the May primary ballot on Friday. Family members and supporters joined her at the Secretary fo State’s Office in Charleston.

In a statement afterward, she spoke of her accomplishments as senator.

“Federal funding to treat those suffering from opioid addiction has more than doubled,” she said. “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has delivered real saving for West Virginia families and helped turn our economy around. These tax cuts, along with President Trump’s efforts to roll back burdensome regulation, have helped make West Virginia’s economy one of, if not the best, in the nation.

“Capito Connect was launched with the goal of connecting every corner of our state with high-speed broadband. With it, $15 million in new funding has come to West Virginia to spur economic growth, improve education and inspire entrepreneurship. Nearly $170 million in new transportation grants have been secured to rebuild our roadways and improve safety.”

Democrats Richard Ojeda and Paula Jean Swearengin filed to run earlier this week. Conservative activist Allen Whitt, who announced his campaign in October, has yet to file.