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Dems not lining up to take on Capito

November 07, 2009 @ 04:00 PM

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Democrats in West Virginia don’t appear eager to challenge U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito.

Only one Democrat has filed pre-candidacy papers indicating he plans to challenge the five-term Republican incumbent.

South Charleston resident David Harless, though, is a political unknown, and party leaders say they expect others to come forward.

So far, that hasn’t happened.

By this time two years ago, Capito had three potential challengers on the Democratic side, including a state senator.

Capito spokesman Kent Gates says the reluctance could stem from Capito’s big wins in previous elections.

Next year also is expected to favor Republicans in general, so Democrats might be wary of spending national money challenging Capito.