Capito: Diversity needed in the GOP

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) acknowledged that part of the appeal of her candidacy for Senate is that she's a woman running in a party that has had trouble with female voters in the past.

"Diversity in our delegation is needed, and I am both a woman and a Republican," she told the Wheeling News-Register.

Capito announced her bid for West Virginia Senate last week, bringing praise from the GOP establishment; she's considered a top-tier candidate that will post a strong challenge against incumbent Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D).

But she's also received criticism from a number of conservative groups for her record on spending, indicating she could face a primary challenge from the right.

Capito's run will open up her 2nd District seat; she said that she announced early because she wanted to give potential contenders a chance to "start looking at my seat."

The contest will include a bit of a family feud flavor as well, as Capito's father, former West Virginia Gov. Arch Moore, was Rockefeller's political rival. While Moore defeated Rockefeller in their first gubernatorial match-up, Rockefeller went on to win the governor's mansion in a rematch eight years later.

Rockefeller's formal rival gave Capito "the thumbs up" for a run, she said.

"Dad gave me the thumbs up, and said, 'It sounds good to me,' " Capito said.

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