WASHINGTON, DC—In a key early polling Senate race, West Virginia Democratic governor Joe Manchin claimed a tough and important victory over Republican challenger John Raese. This victory will make it harder for Republicans to take the upper chamber this election season.
The seat was long held by Democrat Robert Byrd, who won it during the first Eisenhower Administration. Senator Byrd died earlier this year.
Manchin’s campaign path was rocky. He dipped behind and then ahead in the last days of the race, thanks to some tricky political maneuvering to convince voters that he was conservative enough to trust with another term.
As the sitting governor, Manchin enjoyed a 70 percent approval rating, and endorsements from high-power players such as the National Rifle Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
But with just a few weeks to go, he was behind in the polls, having fallen prey to attack ads fueled by Raese, a millionaire with over $6 million to spend on his campaign. Manchin had about half that amount.
Manchin was able pull away from Raese in the final hours before election day by distancing himself from President Obama and his policies, ending up with a three point lead, according to the Rasmussen Reports.
Manchin also had the opportunity to tell reporters he was a friend of Sarah Palin, after the former Alaska governor and rock star Ted Nugent visited the state to campaign for Raese over the weekend.
Manchin is friendly with coal companies and coal unions.
His opponent, a far-right Republican, with inherited wealth, supported repealing the recent health care bill and Social Security, and has suggested that Sunday school be substituted for public education.
The seat was long held by Democrat Robert Byrd, who won it during the first Eisenhower Administration. Senator Byrd died earlier this year.
Manchin’s campaign path was rocky. He dipped behind and then ahead in the last days of the race, thanks to some tricky political maneuvering to convince voters that he was conservative enough to trust with another term.
As the sitting governor, Manchin enjoyed a 70 percent approval rating, and endorsements from high-power players such as the National Rifle Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
But with just a few weeks to go, he was behind in the polls, having fallen prey to attack ads fueled by Raese, a millionaire with over $6 million to spend on his campaign. Manchin had about half that amount.
Manchin was able pull away from Raese in the final hours before election day by distancing himself from President Obama and his policies, ending up with a three point lead, according to the Rasmussen Reports.
Manchin also had the opportunity to tell reporters he was a friend of Sarah Palin, after the former Alaska governor and rock star Ted Nugent visited the state to campaign for Raese over the weekend.
Manchin is friendly with coal companies and coal unions.
His opponent, a far-right Republican, with inherited wealth, supported repealing the recent health care bill and Social Security, and has suggested that Sunday school be substituted for public education.
