OVERNIGHT CAMPAIGN: Déjà vu for GOP

TOP STORY: Tough start for Capito

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito’s (R-W.Va.) candidacy for West Virginia’s Senate seat is showing signs that Republicans could face the same intra-party split that plagued them in primaries over the past two cycles.

On Day One of her candidacy, Capito received criticism from two conservative groups known for mounting primary challenges against establishment-backed Republicans: the Club for Growth and the Senate Conservatives Fund, a group founded by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.).

Chris Chocola, president of the Club, slammed her as an “establishment candidate,” and Senate Conservatives Fund executive director Matt Hoskins said the group wouldn’t endorse her.

“If the grassroots in West Virginia recruit a strong, viable challenger, SCF will seriously consider supporting them,” Hoskins said.

The early criticism indicates Capito, who is supports abortion rights and supported the auto and financial bailouts, could face a primary challenge from the right, though few prospects exist.

Democrats, too, could see a primary race. Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), who will be 77 on Election Day, could retire, jeopardizing what some Democrats say is their best chance at retaining the seat. He’s given no indication of his plans yet, saying only in an email that “everyone I talk to in West Virginia is tired of the non-stop campaigning.”

“West Virginians just want us to do our jobs, and for me that means focusing full-time on the serious issues at hand. Politics can wait,” he said.

TOMORROW’S AGENDA TODAY: President Obama meets with President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico at the White House.

The House is back in session at 2 p.m. with first votes expected at 6:30 p.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I think the Senate has been disastrously run over the last two years, not because of the rules but because of the operation.” — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) during a debate on filibuster reform

BATTLE FOR THE HOUSE:

ILLINOIS: Former Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.) is running to replace Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) in the upcoming special election for his seat. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) set the dates for the special election to replace Jackson — the primary election will take place Feb. 26 and the general election will be held March 19.

NEW YORK: The House Ethics Committee is deferring to the Department of Justice in an investigation of Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) for the possible violation of campaign finance laws.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Chris Christie filed documents to run for reelection as New Jersey governor.

President Obama’s economic team began its second-term makeover on Monday when Mary Schapiro announced she’ll step down as chairwoman of the Securities and Exchange Commission on Dec. 14.

The Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from former Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) — all but ensuring he will serve out his 13-year sentence for corruption charges.

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