Report: Former Maryland GOP chairman looking at Rep. Capito's seat

Alex Mooney, former chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, may run for the seat vacated by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) when she runs for Senate in 2014.

According to political blog Red Maryland, Mooney is considering launching a bid in West Virginia's 2nd district. The former Maryland state senator previously considered a run in Maryland's 6th congressional district, against Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.), but eventually declined.

Mooney, who resigned from his position as Maryland GOP chairman after a controversial tenure, has a little more than $37,000 cash on hand in his campaign coffers left over from his previous interest in a run, which could be used in a 2014 race.

But he's likely to face tough competition for the seat, if he does run.

Former state Del. Larry V. Faircloth and Robert Fluharty, both Republicans, as well as Democrat Steven Gower, are making preparations to run for the seat, and state Sen. Herb Snyder (D) has also indicated he's considering it.

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