Joe Manchin Shows Backbone

In the world of politics, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has always been his own man. In today’s toxic political climate, he continues that path but his latest exchange showed he definitely belongs in the Backbone Club that consists of those not swayed by polls, bullied by fringe groups, or ruled by reelection fears.

Talking with the Charleston Gazette, Manchin was emphatic about standing up for what was important for West Virginians:

“I don’t give a s–t, you understand? I just don’t give a s–t,” he said. “Don’t care if I get elected, don’t care if I get defeated, how about that. If they think because I’m up for election, that I can be wrangled into voting for s–t that I don’t like and can’t explain, they’re all crazy.”

“I’m not scared of an election, let’s put it that way. Elections do not bother me or scare me. I’m going to continue to do the same thing I’ve always done, extremely independent.”

The Backbone Club is populated with other elected representatives who have taken a principled stand and not backed down: Sen. John McCain, Sen. Jeff Flake, Sen. Ben Sasse, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Cory Gardner, Rep. Barbara Comstock, and Gov. John Kasich. There may be others who deserve to be added to this list.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham endorses Jeb Bush

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Good news from the Bush camp this morning with the news that U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has endorsed Governor Jeb Bush for president.

Here are Senator Graham’s remarks:

“Now I am a citizen having to cast my vote as to who I want to be commander-in-chief for that one percent fighting force. I have concluded without any hesitation, without any doubt, that Jeb Bush is ready on day one to be a commander-in-chief worthy of the sacrifices of the one percent who have been fighting this war.

“Last night he said, “I will have their backs.” I believe he will. Last night he explained in the best possible terms why we need partners to win a war that we can’t afford to lose. To those of you who worry about going in it alone, you don’t have to worry with Jeb because he understands that America can’t go at it alone but, of all others running for president, I think he has the ability to bring the world on board.

Lindsey Graham censured for not being ‘Republican enough’ … Waynesboro GOP not as successful with Boehner

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has found himself under attack from some within his own party. On Monday the Charleston County Republican Committee passed a resolution, by a close vote of 39-32, to censure Graham. There was immediate reaction:

The vote was immediately criticized by Republican National Committeewoman Cindy Costa as “foolish” on the eve of an election.

“Terrible. It’s a dumb thing to do,” said Costa, who did not take part in the vote but said precedent is being set to now “censure” Republican politicians any time they stray in the slightest.