Our Favorite Pro-Gun Democrats
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (West Virginia)
{Be sure and check the update at the bottom of our original article for the latest examples of why Joe is one of our favorite pro-gun Democrats and why we strongly support his re-election in 2018.}
Joe Manchin is the popular former Governor of West Virginia, a man who hasn't forgotten where he came from and who puts high priority on what's best for the little guy, and not necessarily for the big money influence peddlers.
Senator Manchin grew up in a family that was involved in local Democratic politics. Family folklore still recalls the 1960 West Virginia presidential primary and how at least one member of the Kennedy clan ate supper at the Manchin dinner table.
 (Senator Joe Manchin)
He's a results-oriented politician who recognizes that politics is the art of compromise. The Senator knows that the Tea Partiers who come to Washington with a "my way or the highway" type of mentality aren't going to accomplish anything. Witness the do-nothing record of the House of Representatives since the GOP has been in charge there.
That type of behavior drives Joe crazy. Reaching across the aisle was his trademark as Governor and he continues to do the same in the Senate. He invites Senators from all political persuasions to evenings on his boat on the Potomac.
That type of camaraderie is what's missing in Washington today and we're pleased that the Senator has taken it on himself to try and rectify that situation. Our senators need to spend more time relaxing and socializing together, getting to know each other and informally discussing the issues of the day, instead of rushing off to their next fundraiser (thanks, Supreme Court, for making fundraising a politician's full-time job!)
Time magazine reported that two of the regulars on the Manchin boat included conservative Georgian Saxby Chambliss and liberal New York Senator Charles Schumer. We're still mad at Chambliss for running one of the dirtiest campaigns on record against Vietnam War hero, and triple-amputee, Max Cleland. But if Senator Manchin can bring such disparate Senators together for the good of the country, we're all for it.
 (Image from Politico.com)
UPDATE: January 2018 - The recent attempt by career politician Mike Pence to pick a fight with Senator Manchin didn't end well for the Vice President and showed again why Joe is one of our favorite pro-gun Democrats.
Despite being known as a moderate, and someone willing to work with Republicans and the Trump administration, Senator Manchin was bitterly attacked by Mr. Pence because Joe stood up for the average American in two critical Senate votes last year:
- Health Care - In the conservatives' never ending battle to take health insurance away from millions of Citizens, including almost 200k West Virginians, and which also would threaten to bankrupt rural hospitals, Senator Manchin stood firm: Not on my watch.
- Taxes - Standing with most Citizens in opposition to the GOP's tax reduction bill that primarily benefits wealthy Americans and corporate America, Senator Manchin explained how Mitch McConnell cut the Democrats out of the process and called McConnell's resulting tax legislation "lopsided partisanship".
And if you missed Senator Manchin's reaction to the Pence attacks, it was classic Joe: "The Vice President's comments are exactly why Washington sucks."
 (Image from Newsweek.com)
We're with you on your votes and on your analysis, Senator. Mike Pence and too many Republicans are just doing the bidding of the wealthy elite and are out of touch with the rest of America. Keep up the good work!
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