Manchin Switch is it possible?

[Mr Gerrity]

I hope it doesn't happen, but what are the odds that Manchin switches parties to save his ass, with the results from WV. I can't believe that a state that produced great progressives like Rockefeller and Byrd has changed so much so quickly. This night has really got me questioning the future of the country. F*Ck the repukes!!!!

[Algernon Moncrieff]

1. Yes, he probably will (or turn "I")

The change in direction in WV politics can be summed up in two words: Guns and Coal

[theHandpuppet]

8. Please do let us know when there is a federal commitment...

...to create that alternative, modern economy for Appalachia, one to replace the coal-driven economy. When your choice is either a well-paying union job associated with the coal industry or one at WalMart (WV's biggest employer) I know which one they'll choose. People are scared and frankly, they have a reason to be.

Also, making at least some token effort to connect with the people would go a long way. I suspect the President has made more visits over the past six years to Iraq and Afghanistan than to Appalachia. I could elaborate on that but I don't think most folks want to hear what I'd have to say.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

14. I think that's a very fair analysis

[Dawson Leery]

2. Manchin to leave No Labels due to Gardner endorsement.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/04/joe-manchin-no-labels_n_6102126.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

[FBaggins]

3. Yes... and King

(Not "switch" so muchdas caucus with republicans)

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

4. I highly doubt it

Manchin controls the WV Democratic party and rules it with an iron fist. His guy Puccio has turned it into a Manchin re-election machine. He wont give that up with a party switch.
Manchin is a bad fit for national Dems, but he owns the state party and is too invested in it.
He may decide not to run for re-election and try to return as governor, as he's hinted, but I think Booth Goodwin would be tough competition for him.
There is no GOP infrastructure in the state and they only win with outside money and teabagger candidates.
Not to mention a switch would hurt Manchin long term, as Dems are sure to retake the Senate in two years with the GOP facing a brutal map.

[Mr Gerrity]

7. I hope so

I just see the rapid change of direction of a once democratic state, putting pressure on him to "save his skin". I hope i'm wrong even though he seems to be much too "yellow dog"

[DebJ]

5. Why would a letter matter? He is a Republican catering to money. Coal. nt

[theHandpuppet]

6. Don't think so

His vote holds more critical weight as a Dem right now than as just another vote in the majority. Although I do think Manchin is likely to vote with the Repubs on some critical issues.

How did this happen in WV, you ask? Well, as I've been saying though too few have been listening, the Democratic Party has been working for decades to lose Appalachia and they finally succeeded.

[standingtall]

9. Manchin might as well

be a repuke already. Real democrats don't boast about being endorsed by the U.S. chamber of commerce.

[UTUSN]

10. Sounds like it. He was mouthing off about "fighting the president" to get things done. n/t

[Lee-Lee]

11. His switching now wouldn't matter

All that would matter is how many times he breaks party lines and votes with them.

[butterfly77]

12. Who gives a fuck!

This fucker has always been a republiCON another great Pretender good riddance!

[hollowdweller]

13. Manchin will lose next time he runs.

He proposed gun control. People here are still pissed about that.

[sweetapogee]

15. that is one

good reason to speculate on him possibly switching parties. If he switches, he can have the upper hand during the primary and claim that he made a simple mistake but now has his head in the right frame of thought. In a sense, he might not have any other viable options....we will see. One thing is certain he cannot support the current attitude that is basically killing the coal industry. Coal being the one economic bright spot in the state.

A bitter pill to swallow but the political realities of WV are what they are. Much to ponder here for sure.

[book_worm]

16. Yep, I can see it and also...

The Indie from Maine has talked about caucusing with whoever wins the majority.