The Hill— “I’m not a Washington Democrat,” Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said Sunday, but rather a “good old West Virginia Democrat.”
It is critical for Manchin to get input from Republicans in West Virginia “to ensure that we get a good outcome for our West Virginians.”
To get the best results for the people of West Virginia whom he represents, Manchin told co-anchor Jake Tapper, “I’m not a Washington Democrat, I’m a good old West Virginia Democrat, who likes all my West Virginia Republicans, and I know that I have to have their input.”
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His constituents, the centrist Democrat insisted, are his “employers,” and he urged his colleagues to never lose sight of where they came from or who sent them to Washington.
It’s not uncommon for us to hang out with Republicans who fit the stereotypical Washingtonian mold.
OK, so there are Republicans in Alaska, and there are Republicans in all the other states that are represented by Republicans. Keep in mind where you started from.
Keep in mind who you work for at all times. Manchin advised, “Never lose sight of why you’re here.
It is important to me to look after my country, and I’ve always said that. Before I am anything else, I am first and foremost an American.
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Because of this, I’m extremely grateful for my country and all of the opportunities I’ve had.
In addition, I’m in West Virginia to serve the people. “So I’m employed by them,” he continued.
In recent weeks, many in his own party have been annoyed by Manchin’s efforts to thwart a number of legislative initiatives from reaching the desk of President Joe Biden.
For the first time since his arrival in Washington, D.C., Senator Chuck Schumer has stated that he will not support the Democrats’ proposed social spending and climate change legislation after months of negotiations.
So some Democrats are considering primary challengers for Manchin in 2024, should the incumbent decide to run again.
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