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Democratic Candidate Wants Pelosi Out as Leader (Video)

The candidate: Nick Casey, an attorney and former West Virginia Democratic Party chairman
The member: Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito is vacating the seat to run for Senate.
The district: West Virginia’s 2nd stretches from Charleston in the west to the Washington, D.C. exurbs. After a close 2000 race when first elected to Congress, Capito repeatedly racked up solid re-election margins over the last 10 years. Still, the Republican field is crowded and disorganized, and the district could be competitive.
The candidate’s team: Jef Pollock of Global Strategy Group (polling), Karl Struble of Struble Eichenbaum Communications (media), Ed Peavy of Mission Control (direct mail), Jeremy Gold (fundraising) and Derek Scarbro (campaign manager).

There is a very real chance that Sen. Joe Manchin III will be the only Democrat left representing West Virginia after this year’s midterm elections, with Sen. Jay Rockefeller retiring and Rep. Nick J. Rahall II facing a tough race.

Despite their vulnerable seats, Democrats do have an offensive opportunity there. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is favored to replace Rockefeller, but the 2nd District seat she is vacating is giving Democrats a glimmer of hope to remain even at three seats in the state’s House and Senate delegation.

Enter former state Democratic Party Chairman Nick Casey, an attorney and longtime state political operative who is vying for Capito’s seat. The Republican field is crowded and could turn nasty before the May 13 primary. It’s unlikely — but not impossible — for a Democrat to win this seat.

The race is rated Leans Republican by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call. Even the incumbent expressed nervousness about her party’s ability to hold onto the seat.

“I don’t think they’re voting R or D,” Casey said in a recent interview with CQ Roll Call, downplaying the partisan nature of the district. “They voted for Shelley Capito. They will vote for Nick Casey. . . . There’s plenty of room in there for me, no matter who held the seat before me.”

Republicans will surely tie him to the national Democratic Party, but Casey says he’s no fan of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

“It is time for a change,” he said. “When the team does not play well, you don’t fire the team, you look for new coaches. Ms. Pelosi — appreciate her past service. I would not support her.”

When asked which national Democrat he would like to see campaign on his behalf, he did not flinch.

“Hillary Clinton. Because she’d also bring Bill.”

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.

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