Rep. Capito wants November special election for Byrd seat

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) weighed in Wednesday on the succession process for the late-Sen. Robert Byrd's seat for the first time.

Capito called for a special election this November to fill the seat. She echoed concerns raised by lawmakers and interests across the state that 28 months was too long for an appointed senator to serve. 

Capito's declaration comes ahead of a Wednesday morning announcement from Gov. Joe Manchin (D) about the process for Byrd's seat. Manchin is expected to address reporters at 11 a.m.

Capito is widely considered the top Republican contender for Byrd's seat or for the governor's office in 2012 should she decide to run for either.