Joe Manchin III on Government Reform

Democratic Jr Senator; previously Governor

Not more government, but easier government

When it came to jobs and economy, Raese was all about free enterprise and less government, which he said was unlike his opponent Senator Manchin. "Most of his answers are about government and what government can do," said Raese. "Mine are not about government and what government can do, I think we need less government."

Manchin said he isn't about more government but rather making government easier to work with. "Government should be your partner. It shouldn't be your adversary, it should be your ally," said Manchin. "That's what we don't have in Washington and that's what I've been working for."

Source: West Virginia MetroNews on 2012 W.V. Senate debate , Oct 3, 2012

Suspended state earmarking as governor; do same federally

Manchin and Raese are seeking a seat that has for more than 50 years by a politician famous--critics would say infamous--for directing billions of dollars to West Virginia in budget earmarks, also known as "pork-barrel spending."

Asked whether they would continue Byrd's tradition, Raese indicated he would not, calling earmarks taxation without representation. "That is something that career politicians are very effective at," he said. "It services them, but it doesn't service Americans."

Manchin said he suspended earmarking at a state legislative level when he first took office as governor. He said earmarking was one reason why there needed to be a balanced budget amendment.

Source: State Journal coverage of 2010 W.V. Senate debate , Oct 7, 2010

Public financing pilot for state Supreme Court races

I will introduce judicial reform legislation: a public financing pilot project for the two Supreme Court seats that will be open for election in 2012. The goal is to relieve judges from the burden of political fundraising and to reduce the potential for appearance of bias as a result of campaign donations. This money would be available for both the primary and general elections. Source: West Virginia 2010 State of the State Address , Jan 13, 2010

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Contact info: Email Fax number: 888-438-2731 Mailing Address: Senate Office SH-311, Washington, DC 20510

Page last updated: Apr 22, 2013