Topline
Gayle Conelly Manchin, the former West Virginia secretary of education and wife of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), was unanimously confirmed by the Senate as co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission on Thursday.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 4: Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) walks with his wife Gayle Conelly Manchin in ... [+]
Key Facts
President Joe Biden’s nomination of Conelly Manchin to head up the federal-state economic development partnership last month was seen by many observers as a nod to Manchin’s importance in passing the White House’s legislative agenda.
Gayle Manchin, who is well-qualified for the post, was all but assured to be confirmed, with fellow West Virginian Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, the top Republican on the committee overseeing her nomination, telling Forbes she would support the nomination.
Manchin himself kept his cards close to his chest, shrugging when asked about his wife’s chances and declining to comment on whether he would recuse himself if it came to a vote on the Senate floor.
But Manchin has also frequently touted his close relationship with Biden, telling Forbes last month, “I’ve never had a problem getting ahold of the president when I’ve needed him.”
Manchin said in a statement, “I know that Gayle will bring the experience and skills to successfully lead the commission,” predicting she will make West Virginia and the nation “extremely proud.”
Key Background
Family members of senators have often fared well in Senate confirmation hearings. Former Sen. Bob Dole’s wife, Elizabeth, was unanimously confirmed as transportation secretary in 1983. Elaine Chao, wife of then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, was confirmed as transportation secretary in 2017 by a lopsided 93-6, with McConnell himself voting present.
Tangent
Another Biden nominee who got unanimous confirmation on Thursday was a long-time Senate veteran: Florida Democrat Bill Nelson, a former astronaut who lost his bid for a fourth term to Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) in 2018, was confirmed as NASA administrator.
What To Watch For
Manchin stands between Democrats and many of their key legislative priorities with his refusal to reform, let alone eliminate, the filibuster – and he has expressed opposition to House-passed bills closing gun background check loopholes and overhauling elections. He has signaled no signs of letting up on the filibuster, though he will still be pivotal for Democrats to pass infrastructure spending if they choose to use budget reconciliation.
