Manchin's decision, after years of bucking party leadership, could allow him to run for governor or try for another Senate term this fall after ruling out doing so as a Democrat.
    • @CluelessLemmyng@lemmy.sdf.org
      16•1 month ago

      I think that’s why he switched. If he runs again, he loses the D next to his name on the ballot, thereby convincing his constituents he’s not a Democrat in the vilified label that the Conservatives throw around, especially in a state as red as West Virginia.

      It may actually get him to be re elected, allowing him to caucus with the Democrats without being seen as one.

      • @MJKee9@lemmy.world
        12•1 month ago

        I only see it as a big fuck you to the eventual democratic candidate. He splits the “progressive” side of the vote and gets the Republican elected.

        • worldwidewave
          3•1 month ago

          Ughh, this is West Virginia. A democrat being elected is a miracle in a Trump +39 state.

          • @nondescripthandle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
            2•1 month ago

            Okay and if that ‘Democrat’ opposes the whole party agenda and literally prevents movement toward the Democrats party goals, then it doesn’t really matter if he says hes a democrat or not? May as well run someone who will work with your party because Manchin was functionally a Republican.

  • @Rapidcreek@lemmy.world
    11•1 month ago

    No doubt he will still caucus with Democrats to protect his assigned parking space, otherwise Fetterman will get it.

  • snownyte
    7•1 month ago

    He isn’t even going to be a good independent. Guy doesn’t know what in the middle even is. Just a soft conservative in denial.

  • @bradorsomething@ttrpg.network
    6•1 month ago

    Interesting, because while he has always been a thorn in the democratic caucus’ side, running as an independent could keep the seat from the favored republican and he could still caucus with the democrats. There is some nuance here… although I would love if it all came down to Jim Justice insulting him at a party or something.

  • AutoTL;DRBEnglish
    4•1 month ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:

    West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, who has spent his entire decadeslong political career as a Democrat, said Friday he is leaving the party and registering as an independent, raising speculation about whether he may run for another Senate term or for governor this fall.

    Manchin’s move was first reported by longtime West Virginia radio host Hoppy Kercheval.

    Manchin, 76, served as West Virginia governor from 2005 to 2010, when he won a special election to fill a Senate seat left vacant by the death of legendary Democrat Robert Byrd.

    Jim Justice, backed by Trump, won the Republican nomination for Senate and had been favored to succeed Manchin in the fall.

    But Manchin’s surprise move could scramble that race if he decides to run for re-election as an independent.

    If he is considering an independent bid for either office, Manchin had until June 1 to change his party affiliation; West Virginia state law allows the secretary of state to refuse to certify a candidate if they were registered to vote with a different party within 60 days of filing to run for office.

    The original article contains 365 words, the summary contains 181 words. Saved 50%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!

  • Jaysyn
    3•1 month ago

    Doesn’t matter. His political career is over next election.