Manchin: Im a West Virginia Democrat. NEW MARTINSVILLE -- Senate Republicans have courted Independent Maine Sen. Angus King and West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin for months as potential caucus switchers — but the GOP learned on Wednesday that neither will bolster their new Senate majority. Greeting diners at a local restaurant a day after the Mid-term election, Manchin wasted no time in dismissing the dreams of GOP strategists across the country. Asked if he will stay with Democrats, Manchin replied: “Yeah and I’ve said this: I’m a West Virginia Democrat, it’s a lot different than being a Washington Democrat.” “I am fiscally responsible and conservative, if you will, and socially compassionate,” Manchin said. “I haven’t voted party lines nor will I.” GOP Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, a member of leadership, said that he expects Manchin to be with Republicans on some issues like energy. With the GOP at 52 senators already with several elections undecided that could further bolster their majority, Manchin said Republicans are in “good shape” and don’t need any help from him. That said, Manchin isn’t ruling out a change in his political future: He said he’s still considering running for his old job as West Virginia governor and will decide whether to run next year, once he says it’s clear whether the Senate will turn into a place where deals are made or whether he’s in for another two years of gridlock under Mitch McConnell’s rule . “I’m keeping every option open, I’ll wait until next year, see how things shape out,” Manchin said. “If it looks like it’s going to be same old same old … it’s not going to be a place I’m going to want to spend a great deal of time.”
Posted on: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 17:06:52 +0000
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