For a man who routinely seeks the spotlight when faced with politically consequential decisions, this is among the most closely watched dilemmas Mr. Manchin has confronted.
“I don’t have a clue what he’s going to do, and I don’t think he knows what he’s going to do,” said Phil Smith, the longtime chief lobbyist for the United Mine Workers of America and a close ally of Mr. Manchin’s.
In a brief interview in the basement of the Senate this week, Mr. Manchin said he would make a decision about his future by the end of the year.
If he intends to run for re-election, he must inform the state by January.
“The bottom line is, I’ve been in West Virginia for a long time and moving in the right direction,” he said.
Persons:
Chuck Schumer, Manchin —, West Virginia —, Biden, Manchin, “, ”, Phil Smith, Mr, Manchin’s, I’ve
Organizations:
West Virginia, Senate, Republican, United Mine Workers of America
Locations:
New York, West, West Virginia