CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Carte Goodwin, general counsel for Gov. Joe Manchin during his first term between 2005 and 2009, is thinking about running for the congressional seat held by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., since 2000.

Goodwin left Manchin's staff in January, returning to private practice as a partner with Goodwin & Goodwin, his family's Charleston-based law firm.

Chris Van Hollen, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee based in Washington contacted Goodwin about the possibility of running.

On Wednesday, Goodwin said he has yet to make any final decision about whether to run. 

"The DCCC is interested in, and responsible for, fielding a credible candidate in every race and certainly in this race. I am honored that they think I might fit that description.

"A big part of me will always be drawn to public service. I enjoyed the heck out of my time in the Governor's Office," Goodwin said.

"But more than anything, I enjoy practicing law. I work more reasonable hours now and get to see my wife, Rocky, and my boy a little more. And occasionally, I can catch the [Atlanta] Braves on TV."

Goodwin said he was originally contacted in mid-June about the possibility of running.

"They are anxious to get started," he said.

Goodwin said he recently met with Van Hollen and other members of the DCCC.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Carte Goodwin, general counsel for Gov. Joe Manchin during his first term between 2005 and 2009, is thinking about running for the congressional seat held by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., since 2000.

Goodwin left Manchin's staff in January, returning to private practice as a partner with Goodwin & Goodwin, his family's Charleston-based law firm.

Chris Van Hollen, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee based in Washington contacted Goodwin about the possibility of running.

On Wednesday, Goodwin said he has yet to make any final decision about whether to run. 

"The DCCC is interested in, and responsible for, fielding a credible candidate in every race and certainly in this race. I am honored that they think I might fit that description.

"A big part of me will always be drawn to public service. I enjoyed the heck out of my time in the Governor's Office," Goodwin said.

"But more than anything, I enjoy practicing law. I work more reasonable hours now and get to see my wife, Rocky, and my boy a little more. And occasionally, I can catch the [Atlanta] Braves on TV."

Goodwin said he was originally contacted in mid-June about the possibility of running.

"They are anxious to get started," he said.

Goodwin said he recently met with Van Hollen and other members of the DCCC.

"They were very serious and thoughtful in their discussions with me. I want to return the favor and give it serious consideration. The real question is whether I want to leave the private sector and move into the public arena again. But I am really flattered by their asking me," he said.

Rochelle Goodwin, his wife, runs the Charleston office of Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.

Carte is the son of Steve Goodwin, a lawyer formerly in the family firm who served two one-year terms as chairman of the West Virginia University Board of Governors between 2006 and 2008. Today, Goodwin is still a member of the board.

Goodwin & Goodwin was founded in Ripley shortly after World War II by Robert B. Goodwin and C.E. Goodwin.

In 1970, Tom Goodwin and Joseph R. "Joe Bob" Goodwin revived the family practice, joined by Steve Goodwin two years later.

In 1995, during the Clinton administration, Joseph was named a federal district judge for the Southern District of West Virginia.

During the past 30 years, the firm has consistently had between 20 and 25 lawyers in its practice based in Charleston.

In 2004, Carte Goodwin worked as a volunteer for Manchin when he decided to give up his post as secretary of state to run for governor.

Reach Paul J. Nyden at pjny...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5164.