Reply #15: Capito’s decision dims GOP hopes

[davidinalameda]

http://www.wvgazette.com/section/News/2005100324

With U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito’s announcement Monday that she won’t run for the U.S. Senate, the Republican Party will have to scramble to seriously challenge incumbent Sen. Robert C. Byrd, according to a national political analyst.

“The Republicans do not have another good option in West Virginia,” said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics.

“It would have been difficult enough for Capito to defeat Sen. Byrd. It will be enormously problematic for any other Republican to do so, assuming Sen. Byrd’s health will remain strong. He can look forward to another six-year term in the Senate,” Sabato said.