Anne Barth, who has run Senator Robert Byrd's West Virginia office for about two decades, is putting her name on the ballot as a candidate.
Barth signed up with an hour left in the filing period to run for the United States House of Representatives in the 2nd Congressional District. Barth, a Democrat, will run against Thornton Cooper and Richie Robb for the nomination. The current seatholder, Shelley Moore Capito, is a Republican.
Barth has not only run Senator Byrd's state office, but she's managed his campaigns during the last few elections. While Barth has never run for political office, some consider her a strong candidate because of her connections. With her ties to Senator Byrd, she may see some national money for her campaign.
Barth told WSAZ she resigned Saturday from her job with Senator Byrd.
In a statement released Saturday evening, Barth said she believes "America is ready for positive change, and I believe that a united Congressional delegation can help West Virginia put its best foot forward."
Barth had been courted for this run for months. However, she announced this past summer that she would not be a candidate for Congress. State Senator John Unger ran for months, but announced today on the last day to file that he is getting out of the race. Barth did not answer when our reporter asked if that influenced her last minute filing Saturday evening.