WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) says he does not agree with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on many issues.
“We disagree on mostly everything,” said Sen. Manchin.
Bloomberg, though, does support Manchin’s proposed compromise amendment that would extend federal background check requirements for gun purchases to gun shows and online sales.
The National Rifle Association has targeted the Senator because of that proposal which Manchin is promising to bring up again on Capitol Hill.
On Monday night, Mayor Bloomberg hosted a $1,000 a plate fundraiser for Manchin in his upper East Side apartment in New York City.
Sen. Manchin defended the fundraiser on Wednesday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
“He (Bloomberg) never became involved, never intended to become involved until he saw the attacks from the leadership of the NRA, until he saw the attacks from the gun manufacturers,” he said.
The money raised will be used to help answer those critics.
“If he and I disagree on nine out of ten things, but we agree on one and, knowing as you’ve seen, the attacks that I’ve had and the money being spent against me, it gives me the ability, and I’ve always said this, you have to be able your story by putting out the facts. That gives me that chance on this one issue.”
Bloomberg uses his money and influence to support a number of issues beyond gun control. He is an outspoken climate advocate and has put $50 million into the Sierra Club which has taken on the coal industry.
Manchin said he talked with Bloomberg about the Mayor’s opposition to coal. “I did open that dialogue with him,” he said. “I didn’t know him that well and I got a chance to meet him and talk with him that night.”