As some of you know already, those of us working on the WV-02 campaign got quite a shock when State Sen. John Unger announced at the 11th hour to not run.
Senator Robert C. Byrd's longtime aide Anne Barth had considered a run, but had decided not to because neither her nor Unger wanted to face an expensive primary challenge and then have to face Shelley Moore Capito.
About an hour or so before the midnight deadline, Barth filed her candidacy.
Longtime Republican Richie Robb, who finished third in the Dem primary in 2006, also filed as did Thornton Cooper, who finished fourth out of five candidates. Until Barth's filing it appeared like we would not have a viable candidate.
I got an email from someone who read on Hotline that Democrats are reporting they may have lucked into a better candidate to face Capito.
Unger had been my second draft choice behind Christy Hardin Smith (we'll get her to run for office some day or my name isn't Carnacki -- well, actually my name isn't Carnacki, but nevertheless, we'll recruit her for something yet).
I had focused too much on his 2006 state senate numbers - 67 percent Jefferson County and 65 percent in Berkeley County and not enough on the issues important to me.
To be honest, Barth is a complete cypher at this point and we have no clue her stance on different issues. Before I throw in my whole hearted support again on another candidate, I want to find out more about them. I learned my lesson. It's not just about finding a candidate who can win but finding a candidate I agree with completely.
Here's some of the great news to come out of this disaster:
DCCC, which also had drafted Unger and backed him big, is still in the race despite my fears:
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen statement on
Anne Barth's announcement she will challenge Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito in West Virginia's Second Congressional District:
"Anne Barth is an A+ candidate with unparalleled experience and support from West Virginians. Her strength, vision, and ability to get things done for hardworking West Virginians will make her a powerful voice for change. Anne is the best possible candidate to win this seat and bring change for the people of the district."
All four Congressional Democrats endorse Barth.
Nick Rahall and Alan Mollohan had both been big backers of Unger and also had to be disappointed when he shockingly pulled out. But Unger had never collected the endorsements of Rockefeller and Byrd.
West Virginia's Congressional Delegation Endorses Anne Barth for Congress
Charleston, W.Va. – All four Members of West Virginia's Democratic Congressional Delegation -- U.S. Senators Byrd and Rockefeller and Representatives Mollohan and Rahall -- have endorsed Anne Barth in her bid to represent West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. Barth filed for office and released a statement announcing her
candidacy on Saturday, January 26, 2008.
Statements of Support from Members of West Virginia's Congressional Delegation follow:
West Virginia's congressional delegation needs a unified voice in Washington. No person is more talented, experienced or qualified than Anne Barth to step into that role and hit the ground running. As my state director for over two decades, Anne has plenty of hands-on
experience working with other Congressional members.
Anne lives and works in the 2nd Congressional District, and she understands the needs and sensibilities of her fellow West Virginians there. Anne has worked closely with me and has learned how to traverse the corridors of Washington to get results for the people of West Virginia.
Through our many years of service together she has earned my faith, trust and confidence. I am happy for the people of the 2nd Congressional District that she has chosen to seek the Democratic nomination to represent them, and I wholeheartedly endorse Anne Barth for Congress.
-Sen. Robert C. Byrd
January 27, 2008
--
As a minister's daughter, Anne knows the values of West Virginians.
And as someone who has a strong history of public service - to my friend and colleague Senator Byrd, and therefore to the people of West Virginia - I believe she has the experience, the will and the dedication it will take to help move West Virginia forward.
-Senator Jay Rockefeller
January 27, 2008
--
West Virginians across the state have long known Anne and of her great capacity for compassion, her talent for getting tough work done and loyalty to their well being. I know she will make a wonderful Congresswoman and I am proud to support her candidacy. There is no shortage of issues to be discussed in the House of Representatives that are important to our State. I know Anne is up to challenge of
representing West Virginians in that national dialogue.
-Representative Alan Mollohan
January 28, 2008
--
Anne Barth has proven herself a loyal servant of the people of West Virginia. I am certain that she will devote the same high level of energy and dedication to her work as a Congresswoman that she has in her years of service on the staff of Senator Robert C. Byrd. Anne
can bring change to the Second District, while ensuring that the people of that District continue to be represented by someone who possesses real, valuable experience. She has all the right qualities to be a strong addition to the West Virginia Congressional team in Washington. I enthusiastically support her candidacy.
-Representative Nick J. Rahall
January 28, 2008
Carnacki again: Got this in my inbox earlier. In another encouraging sign for the Barth campaign, they seem to have rapid response and blog outreach down well already. While this may be a minor meta issue, or a sign of something else, I've never received an email from Richie Robb or Thornton Cooper.
Regarding those who contributed at my request to the Unger campaign, once the dust settles, I'm going to discuss with him returning the contributions. Legally he doesn't have to, but we contributed with the idea of him defeating Capito, not saving them for some future run. I'm very, very disappointed and I apologize for my part in what turned out to be a debacle that hopefully has a silver lining.