Capito to Challenge Rockefeller for Senate

Republican House member Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia will challenge Democrat Jay Rockefeller for the U.S. Senate. At 59, Capito, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2001 and is the daughter of former West Virginia governor Arch Moore, will be facing a 75-year-old Rockefeller, who was first elected to the Senate in 1984.

Here's more from Hoppy Kercheval:

Rockefeller has indicated that he plans to run for re-election in 2014, but there continues to be speculation that he may retire at the end of this term. 

Rockefeller says Capito gave him a heads-up about her plans.

"Congresswoman Capito called last week to let me know of her plans, and I appreciate that," Rockefeller said in a prepared statement.  "But my total focus right now is on the national budget situation and the fight for West Virginia families--making sure the very wealthy finally start paying their fair share again, for the first time in decades, rebuilding a strong middle class, and creating real opportunity for those who are still struggling."