West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin said he would support Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski’s reelection in a “heartbeat” if she decides to run, Politico reports.
“I've met a lot of good people in Alaska, they know when they've got the real deal. And they see the person that basically is bringing both sides together, trying to look for the best interest,” Manchin told Politico in a joint interview with Murkowski. “People understand that they have a person that understands Alaska and has Alaska in her blood and in every part of her veins and every morsel of her body.”
“I would welcome his endorsement,” said Murkowski, who is expected to run but has not formally announced.
Manchin and Murkowski partner on bipartisanship:
Manchin and Murkowski are planning to launch a 20-senator bipartisan group they’ve dubbed the G20 aimed at pushing bipartisan legislation in a hyperpolarized Senate.
“I would like to think that we’re the resurgence, that it's kind of lonely right now. But why wouldn't we want to encourage greater collaboration and cooperation among our colleagues,” Murkowski said. “I get weary of of of that energy that is focused on the dirty, unproductive process.”
Also expected to join is Maine Republican Susan Collins, whom Manchin similarly endorsed last year.
“I don't think we should be campaigning against any colleagues, Democrat or Republican,” Manchin said.
Trump targets Murkowski:
The interview came after Murkowski drew the ire of former President Donald Trump when she voted to convict him in his second impeachment trial after the January 6 Capitol riot.
"I will not be endorsing, under any circumstances, the failed candidate from the great State of Alaska, Lisa Murkowski," Trump declared in a statement last month.
"She represents her state badly and her country even worse,” he said. “I do not know where other people will be next year, but I know where I will be -- in Alaska campaigning against a disloyal and very bad Senator."
