West Virginia daily

West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Robin Capehart is the latest well-known state figure rumored to be considering a run against U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd.

Capehart doesn't rule out a run against Byrd, D-W.Va., in the 2006 election, but said right now his plan is to fulfill his current commitment to the state party.

"This is a commitment I take very seriously, and we're very proud of the progress we've made," Capehart said. "My job is to help the party any way I can; and currently that means being the best state party chairman I can be."

Capehart, Wheeling lawyer, former state tax secretary and gubernatorial candidate, said he's heard from individuals who have been trying to garner support from National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., and others in Washington, D.C.

A report first published by former state GOP executive director Gary Abernathy said Capehart's name is being pushed by John Brabender, a D.C. political consultant, former West Virginia University men's basketball coach and one-time Republican Senate candidate hopeful Gale Catlett, and James Reed, the state party's national committeeman.

For months, U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito was rumored to be considering a run against Byrd, but then she declined, saying she wanted to avoid a divisive campaign. Catlett, the winningest basketball coach in WVU history, also considered a run and then decided against it.

So far, five have filed pre-candidacy papers with the Secretary of State's office - George Johnson and Hiram Lewis IV, both from Morgantown; Zane L. Lawhorn, of Princeton; Charles Railey of Bridgeport; and Chad Shaffer of Kenova. Richard Snuffer of Beaver has not filed candidacy papers, but maintains a fundraising and informational Web site for a 2006 run against Byrd.

Beyond those cited in Abernathy's report, Capehart said he's been contacted by a number of Republican Party leaders, major fundraisers, friends and some people he doesn't even know. He declined to specify who has called him, saying he received their calls in confidence.

"They think I could be a strong candidate," Capehart said. "I'm very flattered that a number of people I respect immensely believe I can do the job."

Capehart lost the 2004 primary to Republican gubernatorial candidate Monty Warner and subsequently managed the successful campaign for state Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin.

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