West Virginia 2012 Gubernatorial Race

[Frodo]

Since everyone is already talking about the 2012 gubernatorial race in North Carolina, I thought I'd open a thread on West Virginia.
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So, does everyone think the Governor's mansion in Charleston is going to remain securely in Democratic hands?

[Skill and Chance]

Which ever race (Governor or Senate) that Shelley Moore Capito enters will be a toss up.  The other one will be safely Democratic IMO.

[feeblepizza]

Yes, unless Capito runs.

[JohnnyLongtorso]

Capito seems to be very risk-averse, but given the climate and the fact that she'd be getting Presidential coattails, I don't see why she wouldn't run for Governor.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Who are potential Democratic candidates?

[JohnnyLongtorso]

In rough order of likelihood: Senate President Pro Tem and interim Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, State House Speaker Richard Thompson, State Sen. Jeff Kessler, and State Treasurer John Perdue.

[Niemeyerite]

Tomblin Vs. Capito would be a pure toss up. Tennant Vs. Capito could be a toss up/til republican, but I think tennant is a hard working campaigner who represents very well her state.

[minionofmidas]

Capito seems to be very risk-averse.

Which ought to rule out any Senate runs unless Rockefeller retires.

[Capitan Zapp Brannigan]

So if Capito doesn't run the Republicans are stuck with Raese again?

They really have no bench in this state, though that will likely come with time as the state starts voting locally like it does nationally.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Capito is rapidly turning into the WV GOP's Mike Moore.

though that will likely come with time as the state starts voting locally like it does nationally.

If that process didn't start this year (and it didn't) then when will it?

[cinyc]

In rough order of likelihood: Senate President Pro Tem and interim Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, State House Speaker Richard Thompson, State Sen. Jeff Kessler, and State Treasurer John Perdue.

What about the caretaker who was appointed to fill Byrd's Senate seat, Carte Goodwin or whatever his name was? 

[Miles]

In rough order of likelihood: Senate President Pro Tem and interim Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, State House Speaker Richard Thompson, State Sen. Jeff Kessler, and State Treasurer John Perdue.

I'd also add Mike Oliverio.

[JohnnyLongtorso]

I think Goodwin is more likely to run for Capito's seat should it open up. He does live in Charleston.