Shelley Says Byrd Can be Defeated, Still Mum on Whether She Will be the One Who Does It

While she says her decision is still four weeks away, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito is continuing to look more serious about running for the U.S. Senate next year against Senator Byrd, who next summer will become the longest-serving senator in U.S. history. My prediction is that Shelley will run and she will win.

From MetroNews:

West Virginia Second District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito is being more outspoken about a possible run against U.S. Senator Robert Byrd next year. Capito made her comments during a Friday appearance on MetroNews Talkline.

Capito says she believes Senator Byrd could be defeated next year because the voting patterns of West Virginians have changed in the last three elections. "We're becoming more Republican or more independent in our voting patterns and the same old same old is not holding."

The three-term congresswoman says if she decides to run against Byrd it would be because it's time for a change in West Virginia. During Friday's Talkline Capito was critical about several votes Byrd has taken. "Some of the votes he has made I don't think go with what West Virginians believe we want in our future." Capito criticized Byrd's votes on medical malpractice, energy and tax relief.

Capito says she hasn't made a decision on whether she will run against Byrd. She says that decision will be made and announced in four weeks. Talkline Host Hoppy Kercheval asked Capito if she could defeat Byrd. "I don't know. It would be interesting to find out."

Congresswoman Capito says she is concerned about the possibility a race against the veteran senator would turn negative due to outside groups getting involved. "I don't think it would be in anyone's best interest to do a slash and burn type of campaign." Capito says she would run against Byrd with "deep respect of his service and acknowledgement of all the great things he has done." But she is quick to point out. "Elections really aren't about the past, they are about the future."

Capito calls a possible run against Byrd, "A personal decision and I'm going to be fine with whatever I decide to do."