Sounds like he's running again, and this makes me quite happy:

The Republicans are already suffering growing pains, evidenced in an internal struggle that led to the firing of the party's executive director after the election. But they are confidently looking to challenge [Robert] Byrd in 2006 and take control of the Legislature in 2008, goals that no longer seem impossible.

Kris Warner, chairman of the state Republican Party, said Mr. Byrd was hurt by his harsh attacks against Mr. Bush, both in a book and on the stump. The senator's age may also be an issue; Mr. Byrd will be 88 when he is up for re-election.

"He has lost his edge," Mr. Warner said of Mr. Byrd, who has been in the Senate since 1959.

Aides to Mr. Byrd said he planned to run again in 2006. In an e-mail message, Mr. Byrd pulled no punches on Mr. Bush, calling his administration dangerous. But he also warned that many Democrats had begun to question where the party stood on core issues.

"I have always known where the values of West Virginia lie - patriotism, faith, family, opportunity, a clear sense of right and wrong, and justice," Mr. Byrd said. "The Democratic Party needs to get back to reflecting those core principles."

Link.

Robert Byrd is perhaps the greatest parliamentarian in Congress since the days of Daniel Webster, and he is certainly a mythical figure on the lines of Henry Clay and others. The Democrats are lucky to have him (even if his past is not perfect).