Shelley Moore Capito

Shelley Moore Capito Announces Her Candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2014

• Report rights infringement
• published: 30 Nov 2012
• views: 2308

Monday, November 26, 2012 Charleston, WV Good morning. Thank you for joining me and my family today. I want to take a moment to talk about West Virginia's future. We are a state rich in natural resources with our coal reserves, natural gas and even oil. They have played a major role in the course of our state and driven our economy. We are grounded in shared values, sustained through hard work and driven by a simple desire to provide a safe and secure future for our family. West Virginians have enabled us to help power America. In October 1999, when I first announced my campaign for the U.S. House, I spoke about the need for West Virginia to have diversity in our congressional delegation as a woman and Republican. I talked then about the issues important to West Virginia learned from talking with parents and family members in the bleachers at sporting events for our three children and being struck by the similarities of all West Virginians — hard working, fair minded and hopeful for our future. The common sense values we share, desire for a good, secure job, safety of our family and hope for a better future for our children. For the past twelve years, the people of the 2nd Congressional District have given me the honor to be their voice in Washington. Earlier this month they again put their stamp of approval on my efforts by electing me with 70 percent of the vote -- the largest share I've ever received. It is humbling for me and I will never forget who I work for. I have always acted with one guiding principle: Do what's right by putting the people of West Virginia first. Over the next two years, I have no higher priority than to continue standing up for the 2nd district and our state as we tackle the immediate fiscal crisis in the next few months and continue to stand up against the EPA's dangerous and unconstitutional crusade to dictate our nation's energy policy to the detriment of West Virginians. The mandate from this election, I received loudly and clearly, is to accomplish these critical objectives by working together. We must set aside short term agendas to get restore fiscal discipline in Washington. We are experiencing changing leadership in our state resulting in a greater political balance between parties. The change will be good for West Virginia. The voters, however, are fatigued. They have grown tired of the constant campaigning, and want us to govern. I agree that it is time to focus on governing. For this reason, I have decided to make my political intentions for 2014 known now so that I can get back to work in Washington, and avoid disruptive political speculation. It will also hopefully provide clarity and time for others to make decisions. West Virginia needs a new and diverse voice in the U.S. Senate; a voice that can listen and can walk with others to achieve great things. The U.S. Senate needs a voice that stands for common sense and fairness. I believe I can be that voice and will ask the voters for their support by running for the U.S. Senate in 2014. I come to this race aware of the challenges but seasoned by the lessons learned in past campaigns. West Virginia's values are needed now more than ever in Washington. Based on the relationship of trust and hard work that has been built with the people in the 2nd District, I will continue to fight for West Virginia over the next two years. And, with your help and support take my West Virginia common sense and energy to the U.S Senate. Thank you.