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Ex-Bush Official Prepares Run for Capito Seat #WV02

Another Republican is poised to enter the race for GOP Rep. Shelley Moore Capito’s seat in West Virginia

Ex-U.S. International Trade Commissioner Charlotte Lane told CQ Roll Call on Tuesday that she is “in the process” of getting her papers together to file her candidacy. She expects to file sometime this week.

Capito is running for Senate in 2014, leaving a wide-open race for the 2nd District next year. Lane is one of several Republicans considering a bid for the competitive seat. Even Capito has expressed concern that Democrats could win the district under the right circumstances.

“I feel pretty good,” Lane said. “I am in the process now of raising money. And I have hired a consulting firm. And I think my chances of winning the primary are pretty good.”

Lane has hired Brabender Cox, the same firm that has worked with Capito for several cycles.

Other Republican candidates include:

  • Former state Del. Larry V. Faircloth announced his candidacy last winter.
  • Former state Sen. Steve Harrison told CQ Roll Call on Monday that he in the exploratory phase of a congressional run but is “leaning heavily toward running.” He expects to make an announcement “later in the summer.”
  • Ex-Maryland GOP Chairman Alex Mooney announced his campaign in early June.

For the Democrats, former state Democratic Party Chairman Nick Casey posted a strong fundraising haul. He announced he brought in “nearly half a million dollars” during the second quarter, according to a press release. However, of that sum, $300,000 came from Casey’s own wallet. He has $420,000 in cash on hand. Casey announced his candidacy in April.

The Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call rates this race as Republican Favored.

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