Editorial

 With his high approval ratings and roots in a political family, Gov. Joe Manchin's desire to make a run for the Senate seat left vacant by the passing of Robert C. Byrd (and only temporarily filled by newly sworn-in senator Carte Goodwin) doesn't come as much of a surprise. But what will losing Manchin as governor mean for the state of West Virginia?

Manchin has a 77 percent approval rating in the state, which seems likely to put him on the fast track to becoming the next U.S. senator when the special election takes place Nov. 2.

Since becoming governor in 2005, Manchin's accomplishments in politics continue to impress the majority of West Virginians. He's expanded business throughout the state, and for the past five years, West Virginia's fiscal year has ended in a surplus. Furthermore, he's implemented mine safety legislation and now has more than 300 emergency rescue chambers in more than 180 mines around the state. Manchin has also launched several programs to aid and promote education.

However, while West Virginia has historically been a stronghold for the Democratic Party, it may not remain a blue state. As the dissatisfaction among Americans – and West Virginians in particular – may cause the political pendulum to swing toward the Republican Party, it could be a toss-up as to which party will take control of the governorship. 

Since Shelley Moore Capito scuttled plans to run for the Senate seat in November, rumors are circulating that she will instead run for governor in 2012, which further strengthens Manchin's chances to win the Senate spot but also gives the Republican Party a strong contender for the gubernatorial race.

Capito wouldn't be the first in her family to hold the governor's seat. Arch Moore, Capito's father, served three terms as governor of West Virginia, and his life both in and out of political office has been blemished with controversies. He ended his first turn as governor by causing a stir after accepting only $1 million in payment from Pittston Coal to cover the damages from the Buffalo Creek disaster, despite the fact that the state had originally sued for $100 million. 

Moore later regained the governor's seat for a third term, which lasted from 1985 to 1989. In 1990, he was convicted of extortion, mail fraud, tax fraud and obstruction of justice, serving more than two years in federal prison. If Capito were to gain the governorship, one can only hope that her decisions take her down a much different (and better) path than that of her father's.

In the end, one thing is for sure: If Manchin is going to become the replacement for one of the greatest senators in both West Virginia and U.S. history, there had better be a good replacement for Manchin, too.