A version of this originally appeared at West Virginia Blue.
I like Gov. Joe Manchin and have touted him here and elsewhere, but I think he should run for another term here and do the work that is needed in West Virginia before he considers a run for higher office. The often Republican friendly Charleston Daily Mail, hiding behind a “some say,” which really appears to hang on just one person commenting, believes Manchin is already making a bid as vice presidential material or U.S. Senate.
From the article:
The first-term governor has been catching the eye of national Democratic Party officials and is getting opportunities to speak before national audiences as he assumes leadership roles in a handful of influential organizations.
On Sunday he was a guest on Fox News talking about energy independence as the chairman-elect of the Democratic Governors Association, a post formerly held by Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico.
Richardson is a potential presidential candidate and Manchin ally.
Manchin, 59, also is the chairman-elect of the Southern Governors Association. The governor currently heads the Southern States Energy Board.
He’s becoming more visible in Washington, flying in state aircraft to the nation’s capital at least 30 times since taking office 28 months ago, according to state aviation records. He’s been there three times so far this year.
Manchin’s trips to Washington could easily be tied to his work on the national board of governors, which he will head next year.
The always interesting Lincoln Walks at Midnight points out that Manchin already has discussed his plans to remain West Virginia’s governor:
“I can honestly tell you I am not in any way, shape or form pursuing that whatsoever… You never know what will happen, but I can tell you that with the job I have right now, there’s so much still we have left to do in West Virginia.”
Personally I think he should run for governor in 2008 for another term and then run for Senator Robert C. Byrd’s seat should he retire in 2012 when Senator Byrd, now 89 and still one of the sharpest minds in the Senate, would be 95.
Another possibility from West Virginia: State Sen. John Unger (D) as a challenger to Rubber Stamp Republican Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito. He won big in 2006 in a very red Berkeley County and is well-respected in Charleston. I’ve not heard if he’s going to throw his hat into the ring in 2008, but he definitely should.
We all know who is out there being touted by the national press for 2008. Who else has potential to break into the national scene in 2008?
Manchin is a talent. But I wonder if the Democratic win in November devalues him nationally.
If Democrats had failed to gain control with the wind at our back, folks might be desperate enough to swallow a pro-life Democrat on the national ticket. Now, with everyone feeling their oats, I don’t foresee that degree of pragmatism.
Where Manchin would make sense is if Giuliani is the GOP nominee. A Rudy nomination would almost surely provoke a third-party pro-life candidate. Having a pro-life Dem in our second slot would make for an intriguing contrast.
Back home
Unger would be an interesting candidate. He performs well on his radio show and has strong communication skills.
I am not sure how strong he would run against Capito in his home area in Berkeley. He got in essentially unopposed the first time when the GOP couldn’t field a breathing candidate and has yet to face a substantial opponent in GOP-friendly turf. He may not cut into her much in Berkeley but I’d bet he’d be strong in Jefferson.
But you are barking up the right tree. Until we cut Capito’s Panhandle margin, she will be hard to beat.
But, if Callaghan doesn’t run again, I think Unger may be the best shot we have. Shelley is losing strength in the main body of the state, but the growing (and GOP-trending) population of the Panhandle offsets her slide there.
What I wonder is what happens if Rockefeller’s back problems for him to retire or Capito rolls the dice and challenges Jay anyway. Will Ireland jump from Sec of State for Congress? If she doesn’t, the GOP does not have anyone else ready for prime time in district. Who else? Hiram Lewis or whatever his name is? This is a Democratic district held GOP by the force of the Moore name
As for national sleepers, my pick is someone who is not exactly unknown.
But whoever ends up winning the Democratic nomination would be wise to tap Bill Nelson for veep. Pick the Florida electoral votes out of the GOP column and it’s hard for them to get to 270.
Hey, if Gore had picked Graham in 2000, what do you think would have happened?
Forget Ohio. It’s a trap which will divert resources from where they can be invested with the best return. Every day we get a little farther from the Taft debacle and the GOP regains its footing in Ohio.
Nope, the biggest swingable state is Florida. And there are House seats we picked up in Florida we are unlikely to hold in 2008 without a Nelson boost.