Republicans in West Virginia are encouraging Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin to run for governor. Manchin served as West Virginia’s governor from 2005 to 2010 and he’s been a senator ever since. He announced that he will not seek reelection in November.
“Two sources confirmed that the outreach comes from Republicans who oppose the GOP nominee for governor, Patrick Morrisey,” West Virginia’s Metro News said in a report. “One source said at least 20 Republicans with financial resources have reached out to Manchin.”
Straight Arrow News’ Political Correspondent Ray Bogan spoke with Manchin who said he fully supports the Democratic nominee, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams. However, Manchin also said that “anything can happen.”
Ray Bogan: Chairman Manchin, there’s a report out that Republicans in West Virginia are calling you to encourage you to run for governor, are you interested?
Sen. Joe Manchin: Let me just tell you, Steve Williams is my dear friend. He’s our nominee and I’m supporting Steve Williams.
Ray Bogan: Is there any circumstance in which you may run?
Joe Manchin: Well, anything can happen, you know, but right now that’s not going to. Steve Williams is our nominee, he got elected. I supported him and he’s just a good man. He can do a good job for our state.
Republicans who oppose Morrisey would want Manchin to run for his name recognition and resources. According to Metro, Williams only has a little over $30,000 cash on hand, while Morrisey has $685,000. As of March, the Manchin campaign had more than $8 million.
