Corporate donations to a political action committee backing West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin surged before Manchin announced he would not support President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better proposal, CNBC reports.
Manchin’s leadership PAC Country Roads received 17 contributions from corporations in October and 19 in November, more than any of the four months prior.
Donors in November included companies like American Express, Goldman Sachs, Lockheed Martin, UnitedHealth Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and CNX Resources.
The PAC raised over $110,000 in November.
The PAC also raised another $150,000 in October from companies like Verizon, Wells Fargo, and coal and mining PACs.
Manchin’s abrupt announcement on Sunday blindsided Democrats, who have spent more than five months removing key priorities from the bill to satisfy Manchin.
Biden confident he can get deal:
Biden on Tuesday expressed optimism that he can still convince Manchin to back some form of a deal.
“Some people think maybe I’m not Irish because I don’t hold a grudge,” Biden told reporters. “Look, I want to get things done. I think there’s a possibility of getting ‘Build Back Better’ done.”
“Sen. Manchin and I are going to get something done,” Biden vowed.
Democrats are working on a narrower package in hopes of winning over Manchin. Progressives are urging the administration to keep as much of the original bill as possible.
“We have worked too long and too hard to give up now, and we have no intention of doing so,” said Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal.
GOP tries to woo Joe:
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell told The New York Times that he has discussed a potential party switch for Manchin.
“Why in the world would they want to call him a liar and try to hotbox him and embarrass him?” McConnell said. “I think the message is, ‘We don’t want you around.’ Obviously that is up to Joe Manchin, but he is clearly not welcome on that side of the aisle.”
“Obviously we would love to have him on our team,” McConnell added. “I think he’d be more comfortable.”
