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Subscribe to RSSUpdated 12:20 p.m. -- Democrat Sen. Jay Rockefeller will not seek a sixth term in 2014, giving Republicans a chance to pick up a Senate seat next cycle.
The news comes after Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito said that she would seek Rockefeller's seat.
Rockefeller, 75, held a press conference to announce his decision this morning.
A descendent of famed oil baron John D. Rockefeller, the West Virginia lawmaker's family legacy is rich with politics; New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and Arkansas Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller were his uncles.
Rockefeller moved to West Virginia in the 1960s. He held the governorship for eight years before winning election to the Senate in 1984.
He easily won his last race in 2008, defeating his GOP opponent by a 64%-36% margin. But given West Virginia's more conservative tilt -- at least in presidential elections -- winning re-election in 2014 would have been far from guaranteed.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee said in a statement that Rockefeller's departure represents "a strong pickup opportunity" in 2014.
"Voters next year will have a clear choice between a Democrat who will be a loyal vote for President Obama and Harry Reid as they try to kill West Virginia’s coal industry and bankrupt our country with reckless government spending, versus a Republican who will serve as an effective check-and-balance on their liberal agenda and work to get our country’s economy back on track," NRSC executive director Rob Collins wrote.
NBC's Carrie Dann contributed to this report.
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Thank god 1 less liberal lifer out. His voting record is pathetic. Stripping liberties was his goal in life.
I always wondered why he didn't run as a member of the American Communist Party.
A real gentleman,statesman..always civil,none confrontational,a moderate..Complete opposite from the Tea Baggers in the congress and senate.
I cant say much about Jay Rockefeller, but his family sure does have a corrupt history.
Good Riddance to another Useless demo-Crap.
A southern WV news news station did a very unscientific poll asking whether a Democrat or Republican would take Rockefeller's seat in 2014. Surprisingly, the poll said a Republican would win. I believe it was 53% to 47%. Not a huge margin in general, but for that part of the state, fairly significant.
Obama has destroyed our brand in WV. People went for Hillary over him; then they went for McCain; then they went for a convicted felon in the TX prison system.
Because they are stupid that's why. Many voters there are not very well educated they don't have a grasp of the issues those they are stupid morons hence why they'd vote republican.
He wants to enjoy the money he has "scammed" in 6 terms... And use it in the little time he has left before he wakes up...dead
Poor Ditto Heads,just can't get over Obama winning a second term..Poor babies.....
It is a shame that we let hillbillies, hicks, and hacks vote. Any of the former States that were involved in the Civil war should never be allowed to vote, or have representation. Oh and their States should be taxed doubly, for reparations. ROFLMAO at rednecks, yeehaw.
Careful, VA is blue, and on our side.
EVERYONE deserves a vote EVERYONE. Yes people should be better educated on the issues. And groups like the KKK and neo nazi groups should be considered terrorist groups. BUT everyone deserves the right to vote even if they don't vote the way I like that's democracy. WE NEED COMPROMISE we need people to agree to work together. This calling democrats communist doesn't help, and us calling republicans retardicans even when they are stupid doesn't help.
I'm considering running for Senator Rockefellar's seat.
Goodbye, and good riddance, to a FILTHY rich, carpet bagging, gold digging, opportunist who cemented himself at the public trough for 30 years in the Senate and enriched himself to the point that he lives like an emperor compared to the folks he allegedly represents.