Manchin Boasts Independent Credentials During Only Senate Debate

The first and only debate between West Virginia Senate hopefuls Joe Manchin (D) and John Raese (R) took place on Monday night, with both candidates illustrating their opposition to key policies put in place by the Obama administration.

Manchin, the state’s Governor with an approval rating of nearly 70%, portrayed himself as an independent candidate who has not agreed with everything President Obama has pushed for during his first 21 months in office. When asked which Democratic policies he supports, Manchin pointed to Social Security, Medicare and the minimum wage, none of which were programs enacted under Obama and the current Democratically-controlled Congress.

Raese, meanwhile, attempted to connect Manchin to Obama at every opportunity, telling the audience that the two “are together” on most key issues. The Republican businessman who trails Manchin only slightly in the polls, trumpeted his experience creating jobs in the private sector throughout the debate.

At times, the pair sounded alike, with both expressing support for renewing all of the Bush-era tax cuts. Manchin also agreed with his opponent’s disapproval of a provision within Obama’s landmark health care reform law which requires individuals to purchase insurance.

Following the hour-long debate, the National Republican Senatorial Committee released a statement slamming Manchin for his claim that he won’t vote solely along party lines if elected.

“No matter how hard Joe Manchin tries to run from his record and past statements, one thing is clear – a vote for Joe Manchin on November 2nd is a vote for the Obama agenda,” said NRSC Communications Director Brian Walsh. Interestingly, the statement omitted any reference to Raese or his performance in the debate.