Joe Manchin isn’t exactly known as the most loyal Democrat, but this is especially concerning for some members of his party. The West Virginia Senator is in Texas today for a fundraiser hosted by high-powered Republican donors. The Texas Tribune writes, “The host committee includes titans of the Texas oil and gas industry — many of whom donate almost exclusively to Republicans.”
Many of the hosts are prolific donors to past GOP nominees, including former President Donald Trump, and to organizations like the Republican Party of Texas, the Republican National Committee, state parties, GOP candidates across the country and to Republicans in U.S. Senate and House leadership. Hosts have also contributed to Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan.
The Texas Tribune goes on to say that many of the hosts have made past donations to Donald Trump, but “have made occasional contributions to Democrats who are either moderate or serve on committees with oversight of the energy sector.”
This fundraiser comes a day after Manchin met with Democratic lawmakers from Texas who are in Washington DC trying to stop voting restrictions back in the Lone Star state. USA Today reports Manchin told the group “he supports fundamental voting rights, but he gave no indication he’ll back his party’s efforts on Capitol Hill to stop states from enacting their own elections laws.”
