Another Dem Beltway-clinger is on his way out.
https://twitter.com/SenRockefeller/status/289763110548566016
Five-term Sen. Jay Rockefeller will not seek a sixth term in 2014.
https://twitter.com/mhwray/status/289748925878005762
Is the West Virginia seat in play for the GOP now that Rockefeller is retiring?
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) to retire after five terms in the Senate. First elected in 1984. Big opportunity for a GOP pickup.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 11, 2013
https://twitter.com/lachlan/statuses/289741676828827648
Not everyone thinks this will be an easy win for the GOP.
Great to hear Rockefeller isn't running again. No, the GOP isn't going to win that seat but still, fun!
— Drew McCoy (@_Drew_McCoy_) January 11, 2013
But many think a GOP pickup is possible.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) to retire in 2014, creating an excellent pick-up opportunity for Republicans.
— Jørgen Lien (@jorgenlien) January 11, 2013
http://twitter.com/FigDrewton/statuses/289744422529277952
Rockefeller's Senate seat should be an easy pickup for the GOP in 2014.
— Aaron (@a_ryan88) January 11, 2013
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito has already announced her intention to run for the seat.
https://twitter.com/JELester9/status/289743981741477890
https://twitter.com/BenK84/status/289741938796679168
Senator Rockefeller retiring. Will Tea Party primary Republican Shelley Moore Capito in 2014? (She's socially moderate, pro-choice)
— Jonathan Jones (@J_I_Jones) January 11, 2013
But it looks like she’s in for a primary battle:
https://twitter.com/FixAaron/statuses/289749484274077697
Senate Conservatives Fund seeks non-Capito option for 2014 West Virginia Senate race: http://t.co/EUVLxOmQ
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) January 11, 2013
The Senate Conservatives Fund is vowing to find a more conservative option for the race.
We’re not going to stop looking for a conservative challenger in this race until the primary is over. The voters in West Virginia get to decide who represents them and they should have a conservative choice.
One parting message for the GOP:
Rockefeller is retiring. DON'T MESS THIS UP!!!!!!
— Seth (@dcseth) January 11, 2013
Update:
Democrat Nick Rahall may throw his hat in the ring.
Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) says he's interested in running for the Senate seat vacated by longtime Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV).
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 11, 2013
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