Anne Barth In the News

February 4, 2008

Barth Files for Congressional Seat
By Helen Morris
Calhoun Chronicle

Anne Barth, state director for Sen. Robert C. Byrd, resigned her position on Saturday and became a Democratic candidate for Congress from the 2nd Congressional District.

In the May primary, she will run against Richie Robb and Thornton Cooper. The winner will oppose Shelley Moore Capito in the General Election.

Anne, daughter of Rev. Bill and Nancy McDonald Street of Charleston , is known across the state as a public servant, but in Calhoun County, she is known as Louise McDonald's granddaughter.

Louise was a teacher at Calhoun County High School for many years. When Anne visited the county last July, she related some memories of visiting her grandmother in Grantsville. She learned to swim at the pool, attended the Wood Festival, hunted for fossils, shopped at Ben Franklin, worked at Grantsville Hotel, and attended Bible school and services at Knotts Memorial Methodist Church. She is also one of the elite few who has consumed a “Hicky” at J&B Drug Store.

The community of Freed holds a special place in her memory. Her father was in charge of a mission team that stayed at Bell School one summer. She said that Calhoun County will always have a special place in her heart.

She and her husband Nick reside in Charleston and have two daughters attending West Virginia University.

Anne's mission statement is as follows: “Public service is my calling in life. Following the examples of my father, a retired Methodist minister, and my mentor Senator Robert C. Byrd, I have always welcomed any new opportunity to serve my community, my state and my country. I intend to seek the Democratic nomination for the 2nd District Congressional seat because I believe America is ready for positive change, and I believe that a united Congressional delegation can help West Virginia put its best foot forward.”