Wheeling Intelligencer Editorial

For nearly a decade, U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has served our state well in the House of Represenatives. On Wednesday she announced a decision that adds to her reputation for putting the people of the Mountain State first.

Capito, who represents the state's 2nd Congressional District, had been discussed as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, revealed earlier this week that he will run for the seat.

Mountain State Republicans - and, we believe, national party officials - felt Capito would have been an extremely strong candidate for the Senate seat. We agree.

But her decision not to run was the right one for our state. As she put it in her announcement, "In Congress, I have always acted with one guiding principle: Do what is right by putting the people of West Virginia first."

Capito noted that she has "built a relationship with voters based on trust and hard work ..." That certainly is true. On issues ranging from preserving our coal industry to insisting on fiscal accountability in government, Capito has earned the trust of Mountain State voters.

"I intend to stick to my commitments to the people of the 2nd District because it is in the best interest of our state," Capito emphasized in her announcement.

We agree. Especially now, with a new assault on the coal industry in the offing in Congress, Capito is needed as a voice of reason in the House. Her decision to remain there and to make re-election this fall - rather than a statewide run for the Senate - her priority is right for not just her district, but the entire state.

We understand Capito was under pressure to run for the Senate seat, both inside West Virginia and in national Republican Party circles. She would have been a truly excellent candidate.

Now, however, she keeps her options for future service to West Virginians open. That, too, is a good thing for our state.

In putting aside personal ambitions for the good of West Virginians, Capito has earned goodwill from both Democrats and Republicans in our state. She has demonstrated once again a commitment to service rather than personal advancement.

For that, the congresswoman has earned the thanks of others who love our state.