Ray Bogan: Republicans in West Virginia are reaching out to Democratic Senator Joe Manchin encouraging him to run for governor. 

West Virginia outlet Metro News reported, “Two sources confirmed that the outreach comes from Republicans who oppose the GOP nominee for governor, Patrick Morrisey. One source said at least 20 Republicans with financial resources have reached out to Manchin.” 

Manchin served as West Virginia’s governor from 2005 to 2010 and has been Senator ever since. He announced that he will not seek reelection in November. 

Straight Arrow News caught up with Manchin who said he fully supports the Democratic nominee, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams. But he also said 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. 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? 

Sen. 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.

Ray Bogan: 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.