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Most Fascinating Races of 2014: West Virginia’s 2nd District

Several Republicans are looking at running for Capito's House seat. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Several Republicans are looking at running for Capito's House seat. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

A jumbled GOP primary has given Democrats a unique opportunity to pick up a House seat in a state that is quickly slipping away from the party on the federal level.

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is leaving the 2nd District to run for Senate — and even she expressed concern in June about the GOP’s chances of holding the 2nd District. Democrats have largely coalesced behind former state party Chairman Nick Casey, who is on track to win the nomination.

Meanwhile, a flood of underfunded and disorganized candidates have entered the GOP field over the past year. At this point, the three most organized GOP contenders are financial consultant Ron Walters Jr., former International Trade Commissioner Charlotte Lane and former Maryland GOP Chairman Alex Mooney.

Despite his cross-state journey, Mooney is the best-funded candidate in the GOP primary.

As a result of these circumstances, Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call recently moved the race from Likely Republican to Leans Republican.

Editor’s note: Not all congressional races are created equal, and Roll Call’s politics desk admits to playing favorites. So in the spirit of the holidays, these are a few of our favorite things (races) to cover this cycle. We’re shining a spotlight on our 12 most fascinating races through the new year — in no particular order. Happy holidays from @RollCallPols!


Check out more fascinating races of 2014: California’s 31st District, California’s 17th District, Illinois’ 13th District and the Mississippi Senate race.

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