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Former Mon delegate files as a Democrat
Sheirl Fletcher, a former Monongalia County delegate, has filed to challenge Sen. John D. "Jay" Rockefeller in the Democratic primary, she said Tuesday.

Fletcher filed her candidacy papers Saturday. The Dellslow resident said that even though she is challenging a sitting senator, she feels voters are ready for a change in national government.

"I know Jay personally, he's a nice person," Fletcher said. "But I differ with him on issues... I believe that West Virginians are ready for change. "

Fletcher served two terms in the House of Delegates between 1998 and 2002. While serving in the House, Fletcher was in the Republican Party, but she became a Democrat about five years ago.

Fletcher is still a fiscal conservative, she said. She supports gun rights, small businesses, and the military and veterans.

But she said the Democratic Party champions a number of issues that are vitally important to West Virginians. She said she wants to work to improve health care, education, women's issues and jobs for working men and women.

These are "issues that are important to real people," Fletcher said. "I came to realize that the majority of West Virginians are conservative, and the majority of West Virginia voters are Democrats. I realized I would be comfortable as a conservative democrat. "

Fletcher has worked for about 20 years in the energy sector. She is an environmental manager for Thrasher Engineering in Clarksburg. Fletcher has two adult children.

Fletcher said she and other West Virginians share common experiences.

She raised two children as a single parent. Her son served in the Marine Corps in Iraq, so she has a personal relationship to the war there.
She also said she struggled financially to put her kids through college and to support her parents as they aged.

"On so many issues, I can relate on a very personal way to people in our state," Fletcher said. "That's the one thing that I really want to get across and campaign for. "

The state Democratic Party welcomes all candidates who want to file for election, State Democratic Party Chair Nick Casey said. Fletcher will also face Billy Hendricks, of Boone County, in the May primary.

But Casey said Rockefeller will be a formidable opponent. He is a sitting senator who holds significant influence in Washington, and will almost certainly have a fundraising edge on a new candidate.

Casey said the Democratic Party does not give any money to candidates. The party can provide all candidates with information and logistical support.

But he said there often can be a "pretty big disparity" between the resources of an incumbent and a challenger.

"I know that sounds wishy-washy," Casey said. "We're not endorsing any of them. At the same time, you have to measure the strength of candidates. "Sheirl Fletcher