Tennant made her campaign for WV. Senate official

Secretary of State Natalie Tennant made her campaign for Senate official on Tuesday, finally giving Democrats the big-name contender they've been desperate for to hold this difficult open seat. The establishment immediately rallied around Tennant, with Sens. Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (the man she's hoping to replace) issuing statements of support, so she should have a clear path in the primary. (Tennant also has a welcome video.)

Tennant won't have an easy time against Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, the likely Republican nominee, but she does give Democrats a fighting chance. And West Virginia may be one of the few places where Democrats can do better in a mid-term election, with Barack Obama not at the top of the ballot. Tennant should also be able to attract national money, and she wouldn't have gotten in if polling didn't show her with a chance, so this will, at the very least, be a serious race.

Natalie Tennant

Secretary of State of West Virginia

Natalie E. Tennant is the Secretary of State of West Virginia. She was elected in 2008 and officially took office as the 29th Secretary of State on January 19, 2009. She is a member of the Democratic Party.Wikipedia

Born: December 25, 1967 (age 45), Fairview, WV    

Spouse: Erik Wells

Education: West Virginia University

Office: Secretary of State of West Virginia since 2009

Party: Democratic Party

Children: Delaney Wells