— *** Newspaper Endorsements 2014 ***—
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — For nearly 14 years, U.S. Rep. Shelley Capito, R-W.Va., has defended the interests of residents of our region well in Washington. Her record as the representative from the state’s Second Congressional District has been so good that in 2012, she won re-election with nearly 70 percent of ballots cast.
Now Capito wants to do even more for us. She is seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate from West Virginia. There, she will have more power to defend us from federal initiatives that threaten our state and our families. And she will have more clout to do good things for West Virginia.
We need a senator who will fight for us without regard to political interests. Here in the Second District, we know we can trust Capito to do that.
On two major issues – President Barack Obama’s war on coal and reasonably priced electricity, and Obamacare – Capito has been staunch in representing West Virginians’ best interests. She has opposed both federal power grabs.
Her opponent, Natalie Tennant, has defended Obamacare. She claims she would fight Environmental Protection Agency plans to devastate the coal industry.
But Tennant campaigned vigorously for Obama in 2008 – and again in 2012 after he launched his assault on the coal industry. Just as important, Tennant refuses to say that, if elected, she would vote against keeping Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in that position. Reid has blocked every attempt to rein in the EPA.
Capito also is aware of another EPA threat, harsh new regulations on water quality, targeting farmers.
Hardy County farmer Lois Alt has beaten the EPA in court, but the agency plans to persist in its campaign. Just weeks ago, Capito voted in the House to curb the EPA’s power over small farmers.
She has West Virginia values, which inspired a firm pro-life stance, support for job-creating small businesses and voting against big corporations when she believed Mountain State values dictated such action.
Capito insists on steps to ensure Social Security and Medicare remain healthy, but would not vote to “privatize” either system.
Endorsed by the National Rifle Association, she is a firm defender of Second Amendment rights.
Tennant urges voters to trust her. Capito has earned our trust.
The Journal endorses Shelley Capito because West Virginia needs her in the Senate and can rely on her. On Election Day, voters should send her to the Senate.
Follow The Journal’s endorsements and news coverage at http://www.journal-news.net/
