[RJayneJ]

I always believed that he more or less bought his seat from Byrd. He and his wife went in and began a program of selling home crafts made by the folks that lived in the mountains. Shortly thereafter I recall that they liked the mountains so much that they decided to live there, (although they didn't give up their New York apartment). Suddenly, it just occurred to Rockefeller that he just might like to run for the senate with Byrd's endorsement -- he couldn't lose. And, it's always easier for the filthy rich to run as a Democrat so they can champion the plight of the poor.

[EternalVigilance]

Well, first he held an executive position (secretary of state, I think)...then he ran for Governor, as a Republican no less, and lost!

Then he did a party switch to Dem, ran for Governor again and won. He held the governorship for 8 years, and has been Senator for 18.