Not so fast…
Despite reported calls from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for Sen. Joe Manchin to reconsider retirement, the West Virginia lawmaker does not seem open to changing his plan.
“I think that’s a long, long, long-shot scenario,” Manchin told CNN’s Manu Raju. “So I don’t anticipate that happening.
“I don’t anticipate running,” Manchin reiterated.
In November, Manchin announced his plans to retire from the Upper Chamber at the end of his term.
With Manchin out of the West Virginia Senate race, Republicans are expected to pick up his seat easily.
Manchin said last year that he planned to finish his term while traveling the country and speaking out “to see if there is interest in building a movement to mobilize the middle, find common ground, and bring Americans together.”
His comments prompted intense media speculation that he would run for president as a candidate packed by the group No Labels. However, last month Manchin said he will not be mounting a bid for the White House. (RELATED: Manchin Will Not Run For President)
He finally decided against running for president last month, telling constituents that he would instead “be involved in making sure that we secure a president that has the knowledge and has the passion and has the ability to bring this country together.”
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