Shelley Moore Capito Won't Seek Byrd Seat

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, widely seen as the Republican with the best chance to win the Senate seat formerly held by the late Sen. Robert Byrd, has decided not to seek the seat, the Associated Press reports.

Capito would have faced off against popular Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin, who is now the clear favorite to win the Nov. 2nd special election. The primary will be held August 28th.

Manchin appointed Carte Goodwin to serve in the seat until the special election. The governor announced his plans to run for Senate Tuesday.

Capito reportedly plans to focus on winning a sixth term in the House. While she would have been permitted to seek both the House and Senate seats under a deal worked out in the West Virginia legislature Monday, the Republican representative said Wednesday she feared a court challenge if she did so.

Republicans are now seeking an alternate candidate for the seat, possibly wealthy businessman John Raese, who has lost two previous Senate challenges and says he is considering a run. The filing deadline is Friday.