WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced Friday he is stepping down as honorary co-chair of the No Labels group.
Manchin released the following statement:
“No Labels began as an organization that attempted to foster bipartisan conversation amongst Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. I believe in this mission, and believe that No Labels has done a lot to open a dialogue, not only between Democrats and Republicans, but also between Members of the House and Senate–something that was lacking in Washington. Given my position as a sitting United States Senator, who cannot be involved in the day-to-day decision making of the organization, I believe it is appropriate for me at this time to step down as honorary Co-Chair. I still support the original goals of No Labels and will continue to work with them to foster bipartisan communication and bring some common sense back to Washington.”
Yahoo! News Political Correspondent Meredith Shiner said during an Oct. 30 appearance on MetroNews Talkline Manchin was under pressure from other Senate Democrats to give up his position.
Shiner wrote a post that said Manchin’s colleagues raised questions about the group’s support of Congressman Cory Gardner (R-Co.) in a heated U.S. Senate race against U.S. Senator Mark Udall (D-Co.). Gardner won the seat in last Tuesday’s election.
“I think that there is frustration that he’s (Manchin) involved with this group, run by consultants, that consultants profit from, that is now campaigning against a member of their own team,” Shiner said on Talkline before the election.
The No Labels group came under fire earlier this year after endorsing Gardner.