#newsonleo #unitedstates #politics Joe Manchin, 77-year senator currentyl representing West Virginia, has announced that he is leaving Democrat Party and that will continue serving his term (expiring in January) as independent. 1/
#newsonleo #unitedstates #politics Joe Manchin, 77-year senator currentyl representing West Virginia, has announced that he is leaving Democrat Party and that will continue serving his term (expiring in January) as independent. 1/
Similar to Bernie Sanders who is an independent but votes with the Democrats.
Manchin might vote other ways but he always did that.
2/ Manchin, who has served as governor of West Virginia from 2005 till 2010, entered Senate in 2010 at special election following the death of long-term senator Robert Byrd. Manchin was known as one of the more conservative members of Democrat Party, known for supporting gun rights and opposing same sex marriage and abortion. However, his support was often deemed crucial for Democrat administrations to pass their legislative agenda.
3/ Manchin explained his decision by the digust he felt at the rise of both left and right wing extremism in US politics. It still remains to be seen whether his decision will have any electoral impact, since Manchin has announced his retirement from Senate. West Virginia is very likely to elect Republican as his replacement on November 5th election.