Republicans blast Manchin’s support for Reid as majority leader

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is targeting newly sworn-in Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) for voting today to keep Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) in his position as majority leader. The NRSC painted Reid as an “anti-coal” lawmaker who “strongly supports a job-killing cap-and-trade energy tax and has repeatedly attacked West Virginia’s coal industry.”

Jim Manley, Reid’s spokesman, said the vote was done by “acclamation,” or voice vote, and there was no opposition. A spokesperson for Manchin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Politico reported yesterday that Manchin might not support Reid for majority leader.

The NRSC’s statement underscores the precarious position Manchin has put himself in. Manchin, the former governor of West Virginia, ran against President Obama’s agenda, criticizing the health care and cap-and-trade bills. Now that Manchin is a full-fledged member of the Senate, it appears that Republicans won’t be shy to highlight those instances when Manchin votes with the majority. In fact, the statement even calls Manchin “liberal.”

Senate Democrats voted today to keep Reid on as majority leader. Here is the rest of the Senate Democrat’s leadership, via Reid’s office:

Daniel Inouye, President Pro Tempore
As President pro tempore, Senator Inouye will continue to provide the Democratic Caucus leadership and experience gained from a lifetime of public service.

Dick Durbin, Assistant Majority Leader
As Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Durbin will continue to serve as the Majority Leader’s key aide on and off the floor, helping to lead the Democrats’ fight to protect America and help working families get ahead.

Charles E. Schumer, Vice Chair of the Conference and Chair of the Democratic Policy Committee
The third-ranking member of the Democratic leadership, Senator Schumer will continue to oversee strategy and policy to keep and build support for Democratic values.  He will also coordinate messaging for the caucus and help integrate legislative- and message-crafting function into a central, coordinated entity that encompasses policy, media and politics.

Patty Murray, Secretary of the Conference
As Secretary of the Conference, Senator Murray will continue to play a critical role in helping shape and set the Democratic agenda while working with Senators Reid and Durbin to move that agenda through the Senate floor.

Debbie Stabenow, Vice Chair of the Democratic Policy Committee

Senator Stabenow will continue to help guide the Senate Democratic caucus’ messaging and strategy efforts.

Mark Begich, Chair of Steering and Outreach Committee
Senator Begich will serve as Chair of the Steering and Outreach Committee.  In his role as chair, Senator Begich will engage Democratic Senators and community leaders across the country in an active dialogue about the pressing issues facing our nation.