Keep Manchin In the Mansion

It has to be admitted here. Joe Manchin has not been a bad governor of West Virginia.

Sure there is a lot to pick apart. He forced West Virginia University into a series with Marshall, entering into a field where he had no business. His daughter was discovered to have claimed an unearned degree. Manchin has not been nearly aggressive enough in defending West Virginia from an administration bent on destroying our industry.

That all being said, as far as West Virginia governors go, he has not done a bad job.

Part of Manchin's effectiveness comes from a style that irritates legislators. He has the ability to wield authority and shove through measures because of his personal popularity, which now hovers at about 75%. But what would happen to Manchin in the United States Senate, were he to win?

Probably something similar to Bob Wise when he moved from the House of Representatives to the Governor's Mansion. Wise abandoned a place of comfort and familiarity for a job that challenged him in different ways. His learning curve harmed the state at a vital time. Manchin would struggle initially in the Senate trying to recast his role. He would not be able to get things done through popularity and personality as he does in Charleston.

Now more than ever, West Virginia needs defenders in the halls of Congress. We know we have Capito, but Manchin has been coy lately, edging towards the left wing Obama line rather than standing up for us. As a popular governor, Manchin can defy Obama and Democratic leadership in the Senate (even though lately he has been less eager to do so0. Can he do the same as a United States Senator? No.

Add this to the fact that the Senate might be under Republican control in a year. Manchin would then be tossed to the back of the line for every consideration.

West Virginia is entering a tough transition economically. Manchin has had a steady hand on the wheel of the ship of state. We need change in the Senate, putting it back under Republican control. We do not need change at this point in Charleston.

Keep Manchin where he is. Send a stalwart defender of our interests to Washington. Vote for John Raese.