(RepublicanInformer.com)- The so-called moderate Democrat in the Senate said that he is “praying to God” that the midterms do not result in a split upper chamber, according to NBC News. The comment came just before the Senate adjourned for a six-week recess.
“I’m just praying to God it’s not 50-50 again,” Sen. Joe Manchin told NBC News. “I’d like for Democrats to be 51-49. But whatever happens, I hope it’s not a 50-50.”
Manchin, who represents a state that Biden reportedly lost by 39 points in 2020, has been one of two swing votes for the Democrats, including Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema. The two senators voted for the $740 billion Inflation Reduction Act which allegedly tackles green energy, healthcare, and tax reform, but were still met with criticism from far-left politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who reportedly pushed for a $3.5 trillion spending bill.
The senator has gained much ire from both Democrats and Republicans as a result, but while some might like that power, Manchin said that he would rather not have it all fall onto him.
“It is what it is. You’ve got to do your job,” Manchin said. “But let’s just see what happens. I think—maybe some changes.”
Manchin has supported a number of bipartisan legislative victories for the president, such as Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a gun control package, and legislation amending the counting of electoral votes, according to Daily Caller.
One the agenda after the midterms are a host of important legislative bills, including a funding package, a defense authorization bill, and election reform to prevent a January 6 from occurring again. Federally codifying same-sex marriage and a bill overhauling energy and infrastructure are also on the table.
Manchin also supports Biden’s pick for judges, calling the last two years a success.
“It’s been a good two years for the country,” he said. “The president’s done well.”
Midterm electin projections are too close to call, but some pollsters have Democrats holding the majority in the upper chamber with just 12% for a split, while RealClearPolitics projects that Republicans will hold a 52-48 lead in 2023.
