Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., ought to give up his position in the Senate Democratic leadership to show his commitment to his state's values, according to West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.
Morrisey, a Republican running against Manchin, told The Washington Free Beacon that West Virginians do not support Democratic policies, and the senator should step down from the role given to him by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., if he wants to show he shares his constituent's values.
"Being part of the Schumer leadership team means that you don't have West Virginia's best interest in mind," Morrisey said. "West Virginians don't support the values of Chuck Schumer — Joe Manchin does."
President Donald Trump won the state handily in the 2016 election, and a recent Gallup poll found he maintains a 60 percent approval rating in West Virginia.
"I have no doubt that Sen. Manchin enjoys a boost because people are not aware of his very liberal record," Morrisey added. "On the issues that matter most to West Virginia, Manchin has failed the state."
When he first ran for Senate in 2010, Manchin touted his endorsement from the NRA, running a campaign ad showing him firing a rifle. In 2013, however, he turned on the group, running an ad challenging their opposition to background checks.
"I believe that we can protect the Second Amendment and make our communities safer," he said in the ad, according to ABC News. "I think most law-abiding gun owners agree with me."
Morrisey, however, said Manchin is in "deep trouble" because of his record on guns.
"I think Joe Manchin lost his way as he has traveled to Washington and became a career politician," Morrisey said. "He lost respect for the Second Amendment."
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