The candidate: Former Maryland state Sen. Alex Mooney
The member: Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is running for Senate, leaving an open race for her House seat in 2014.
The district: In 2012, Mitt Romney won the 2nd District, which includes Charleston and the Eastern Panhandle, by more than 20 points. But Democrats continue to win local office in this region in West Virginia, making the race somewhat competitive.

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The panhandle is “the fastest growing part of West Virginia; a lot of folks have moved from Maryland and other places,” Mooney told CQ Roll Call in a Dec. 11 interview. “And frankly, they’ve embraced my candidacy and are excited about it.”

But before Mooney can make his case to the 2nd District, he’ll have to win a crowded and convoluted GOP primary on May 13.

“I’m the only candidate in this race with a proven conservative voting record,” Mooney added, citing his dozen years in Maryland’s Legislature.

West Virginia’s 2nd District race is rated Leans Republican by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.

This video interview series questions the scores of congressional hopefuls who visit the CQ Roll Call offices each cycle. Responses and questions have been edited and condensed. Have a question for a candidate? Follow us at @RollCallPols to learn about upcoming interviews.