Local Republicans Speak Out

Ireland to leave office in 2009

Rocky Peck, who was chairman of the Wood County Republican Party during the 2004 campaign, said Ireland was to be a player in future Republican Party politics.

If Gov. Joe Manchin either runs for the U.S. Senate or appoints himself to replace Sen. Bob Byrd when a vacancy occurs, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., would run for governor and Ireland would run for Congress, Peck said. Another possibility was she could run for state Senate for the seat held by Vic Sprouse, R-Kanawha, who isn’t running for re-election, he said.

‘‘That’s kind of been the rumors,’’ Peck said.


Bob Fish of Wood County, a vice president of the West Virginia Republican Party, cited Ireland’s service and respects her decision for personal reasons..

‘‘I think Betty has done an outstanding job as secretary of state,’’ he said.