Sen. Byrd, 87, To Run Again

Eighty-seven-year-old Democrat Robert C. Byrd announced Tuesday he will seek a record ninth term in the Senate.

Using the Capitol Rotunda as a stage, Byrd told supporters he was "ready to go. Another round."

"I have the best job in America because I represent you, the people of West Virginia. And I want to keep this job," he said.

Byrd has 47 years in the Senate and will become the longest-serving member in its history in June. He previously served six years in the U.S. House, and before that terms in both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature.

"I've given most of my life to serving the people of West Virginia, and it began here 59 years ago," Byrd said to chants of "six more years, six more years."

The Republican Party has made unseating Byrd a top priority. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has already aired television ads questioning whether he remains in step with West Virginia voters.

Yet, polling by Survey USA suggests an upswing in Byrd's stature with West Virginians, particularly when compared to President Bush. Byrd's approval rating increased from 56 percent in May to 65 percent on Aug. 15 — before the 130th Air National Guard Airlift Wing in Charleston was spared the loss of its eight cargo planes with help from Byrd in the fight over military base realignments nationwide.

Mr. Bush's approval rating has remained around 44 percent, with more than half of those surveyed disapproving of his performance.

At least four Republicans have filed or announced plans to run for Byrd's seat in 2006, but national GOP officials are pinning their hopes on Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, who has yet to announce her plans.

Supports say Byrd showed the power of his stature last month when he helped derail the Pentagon proposal to strip the 130th of its planes. He also has seen his profile rise beyond the state's borders as he has clashed with the Bush administration over Iraq and other topics.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, Byrd said he was ready for another campaign.

"Show me another 87-year-old man who's got the energy that I've got, and I'll eat your hat," he said.