Cook Upgrades Capito-Barth Race in W.Va.'s 2nd (Updated)

The Cook Political Report now ranks the contest between U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Democrat Anne Barth as competitive.

The nonpartisan outfit has changed its ratings for the Capito-Barth matchup and nearly 30 other U.S. House races.

But Cook still gives Capito the edge as she seeks a fifth term.

Cooked upgraded the race from "likely Republican," defined as "not considered competitive at this point but have the potential to become engaged, to "lean Republican," which are "considered competitive races but one party has an advantage."

(Cook also ranks West Virginia as "solid Republican" in the McCain-Obama race, though it "currently sees the Presidential contest as a Toss Up" nationally.)

Update: The Capito-Barth race remains "Republican Favored" in the eyes of both The Rothenberg Political Report and CQ Politics.