Fourteen candidates in Saturday's primary in West Virginia are seeking a shot at the Senate seat held by the late Robert Byrd, with Gov. Joe Manchin the front-runner on the Democratic side. The best-known GOP contenders are a wealthy businessman and a former U.S. House candidate.
In Louisiana, meanwhile, Republican U.S. Sen. David Vitter appeared poised for an easy primary victory over two little-known challengers. He has already been more focused on his likely November matchup with Democratic U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, who also has two primary opponents.
West Virginia is holding the hastily called primary to decide who will serve the final two years of Byrd's term. Manchin appointed a former top aide, Carte Goodwin, to hold the seat until after the November general election.
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Associated Press Writer Kevin McGill in New Orleans contributed to this report.
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