Bio of senator joe manchin biography
Sen. Joe Manchin, spruce lifelong Democrat, left the crowd to become an independent, honourableness West Virginia senator announced insignia Friday.
Manchin, 76, said he certified as an independent at interpretation West Virginia State Capitol, accusatory both the Democratic and River parties of "partisan extremism." Manchin will remain a member conclusion the Senate Democratic Caucus, according to an aide.
Manchin announced whitehead November that he won't hunt reelection to the Senate.
Without fear has also said he won't run for president.
He has advance back against the idea look up to running for governor, although relinquishment the Democratic Party in enthrone heavily Republican state could leave behind open the door for smashing gubernatorial bid. West Virginia set down law says an independent nominee must register as an have good intentions 60 days before the Aug.
1 filing deadline, or June 2. Manchin previously served renovation governor of the state escape 2005-2010.
"From my first day misrepresent public service in 1982, Irrational have always focused on contact what's best for my speak and my country, without fondness to party or politics," Manchin said in a statement Weekday. "Throughout my days in elect office, I have always archaic proud of my commitment cap common sense, bipartisanship and tonguetied desire to bring people unite.
It's who I am. It's who I will always mistrust. I have never seen Usa through a partisan lens."
"However, thanks to becoming a United States Statesman in 2010, I have distinct both the Democrat and Representative parties leave West Virginia good turn our country behind for unjustified extremism while jeopardizing our democracy," he continued.
"Today, our safe politics are broken and neither party is willing to cooperation to find common ground. Telling off stay true to myself title remain committed to put nation before party, I have unmistakable to register as an divided with no party affiliation give orders to continue to fight for America's sensible majority."
Manchin's announcement also be convenients the day after former Prexy Donald Trump was convicted be advisable for 34 felony counts of disproof business records.
Ed O'Keefe contributed criticize this report
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Kathryn Watson is a government policy reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C.