[garyhope]

How can any sane person vote for such an absurd POS like Byrd? Do they really think about it?

[Recon Dad]

With all the funerals in Washington lately maybe Byrd will end up going to one last one in the not too distant future. How does a state that voted GOP in the last two elections keep reelecting this addled old fart!

[bilhosty]

If I were Shelly capito I would look at tit this way. Other polls showed her running much closer so take what ever chance she has of beating a living healthy Byrd Now add on the fact that at his age and health there is probably a 1/3 chance that he will not be running because of death or incapacity (maybe during the stress of an actual campaign. Add on the possibility that he will still be running but will be clearly impaired and on life support and what chances does Capito have, If Byrd does not run as an early bird she will be the clear favorite to get the worm.
Consider also that if Byrd does win there will likely be an interim election in two or at least 4 years to fill his seat. Or in 2008 Sen Rockefeller will be 68 and might retire. And lastly there is the possibility that she might run for Governor. I think she should run.

[jimbo123]

When Byrd passes on, will the democrats burn crosses and lynch some blacks to honor his memory?

[chimera]

No way Byrd loses his seat, even if he kicks. Capito should stay in the House. At least that way we keep a House seat. Better that than vainly pursuing the fool's errand of taking on Byrd. He's just too entrenched, brings home too much bacon to WV to ever get thrown out.

[Blagden Alley]

I'll make a comment I posted elsewhere...

I saw Sen. Byrd in the McLean Giant last Saturday. (He and his wife have shopped there for years.)

The man is very, very old, and can barely stand up. While I understand the will not to get in a wheelchair (my father had several bad falls before he gave in), this man cannot campaign as he is now. They can drive him to a few sites in a day, and have him do 2 minutes of "stand up"; (sorry), but that's all he can do. And that is now. Not a year from now. He will be worse off. It could be that when his old fans see him, they may want him to retire out of kindness. At any rate, the polls now are name recognition and reputation. When folks see him in person, it may change a lot.

I understand that he "brought home the pork". Few believe that will happen again. I understand loyalty in voting.

I've just seen youngsters visting the old folks homes (sorry, "retirement communities") and working hard beat solid but tired old-timers more than a few times.

[satchmodog9]

What Byrd story would be complete without posting a few facts.

[lexington minuteman 1775]

Capito should simply sit this one out. Byrd will not live forever.His health is declining. His mind has been gone for years. For such a scholar of the Constitution as Byrd is, does he not realize the US SENATE is not a life time appointment, he is allowed to step down and NOT run?

[johnny7]

87?!

I'm hoping that nature... and the law-of-averages intervenes.

[jmaroneps37]

I'd have to see the internals of this poll before I gave it any weight. It is very odd that with no particular triggering event, the spread went from 3 points to 16. It is an established pattern that the ratmedia over compensates in their lies. When they don't provide a party break down be suspicious.

[hgro]

Only in W.Virginia would a Klan Kleagle get elected. Keep them ignorant and poor Bob.