Barnes won't run for Mollohan's seat

State Sen. Clark Barnes on Monday said he will not seek the U.S. House of Representatives seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan.

Barnes, R-Beverly, had been among at least six Republicans who have either filed or indicated interest in challenging Mollohan, D-Fairmont, in the 2010 midterm election.

Most recently, former state delegate, gubernatorial candidate and West Virginia GOP Chairman David McKinley of Wheeling hinted he would join the race for the 1st District seat, as has Mac Warner - the brother of former state GOP chairman Kris Warner and former gubernatorial candidate Monty Warner.

Barnes on Monday said he was pleased with the response his potential campaign received in the Northern Panhandle.

"It brought attention to the race, and attracted some other good candidates," he said.

"When I first explored the option of running, it was certainly because I felt that Mollohan is the one that needs to go," Barnes added. "And when I looked at the field of candidates, I saw no one with legislative or campaign experience in the group. That has changed now.

"There are some folks now who have expressed interest, or filed the paperwork. They live in the district, or they or their families have experience. We have candidates out there now that can get the job done."

Barnes admitted geography - and the ongoing need to serve his current senate district constituents - also was a major factor in his decision.

"I have traveled the entire district, including meetings in Wheeling and Chester," he said. "It's a long way from the senatorial district I serve - which includes Buckhannon to Martinsburg on the other end.

"The conclusion I drew is that it is almost impossible to campaign in the 1st District and to continue to serve the Senate district that elected me during my term."

Barnes added that he sees much work to be done in the state Senate this year.

"I have an intense desire to stand ready to ensure that West Virginia does not follow the path of financial disaster established by Washington politicians," he said.

Barnes is presently a resident of Beverly, W.Va., in Randolph County, which does not fall within the 1st Congressional District.

He previously expressed the possibility of moving to Grant County so as to reside within the 1st District, but said he will not do so now.

Republicans who already have filed to run for the 1st District seat next year are Cindy Hall of Wheeling; Randy "Scott" Smith of Terra Alta; Thomas Stark of Parkersburg; and Daniel Scott Swisher of Washington, W.Va.

On the Democratic side, R.J. Smith of Triadelphia has filed to challenge Mollohan.