CAPITO SEEKING SEAT Shelley Moore Capito Announces Run For U.S. Senate Seat
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Nov. 26, 2012 8:39 AM EST
Updated: Nov. 26, 2012 2:53 PM EST
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Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito is marking her 59th birthday by vowing to run for U.S. Senate in 2014.
The 2nd District Republican announced her campaign plans Monday at the state Capitol.
Capito wants the seat held by U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller. The five-term Democrat said Capito called him last week and told him of her plans.
The 75-year-old Rockefeller did not say whether he plans to run in 2014. He and the state Democratic Party's chairman instead referred to how West Virginians have gone through seven elections in less than three years. Rockefeller said he's focusing on the federal budget and other pressing issues.
Capito won her seventh term on Nov. 6. The former state legislator chairs House Financial Services subcommittee.
Republican U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito is reportedly running for the U.S. Senate in two years.
The Charleston Daily Mail quotes campaign adviser Kent Gates as saying Capito wants to "stand up for the coal industry and energy jobs" in the state.
Gates told the newspaper that Capito thought it was "important that people know what her intentions are so they can plan accordingly."
Gates noted that it also would end the political speculation that has been swirling about the congresswoman for more than two years.
Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller has held the seat since 1984, but hasn't said whether he will run again in 2014.
Capito was elected earlier this month to a seventh term representing West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District.
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Associated Press
