Joe Manchin won’t join Trump’s Cabinet – Washington Examiner – Washington Examiner

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., on Friday rejected the idea that he would soon join the Trump administration as energy secretary.

Manchin told a town hall crowd at the West Virginia State Fair on Friday that he won't leave to join President Trump's cabinet, a Senate aide confirmed. Manchin is up for re-election in 2018.

A Wall Street Journal reporter also tweeted his remarks and said he won cheers for saying he wouldn't join the administration.

A decision to join the Trump administration would have opened the door for the GOP to try again on Obamacare repeal since Republican Gov. Jim Justice would likely appoint a Republican to fill the seat.

Manchin's name has been floated as a replacement for Rick Perry, who may leave the energy post to become the director of the Department of Homeland Security. That post is open after Gen. John Kelly left to serve as White House chief of staff.

Currently, there is a 52-48 GOP majority in the Senate. The GOP can only afford two defections on any legislation, as Vice President Pence could break a 50-50 tie.

While Manchin says he is staying put, there could be other shuffles in the Senate.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., is expected to go to trial in less than a month to fight corruption charges. If Menendez loses then he would leave the Senate and Republican Gov. Chris Christie would appoint a replacement, also likely a Republican.

Christie is expected to leave office in January 2018.

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Joe Manchin won't join Trump's Cabinet - Washington Examiner - Washington Examiner