Marion Co., West Virginia, officials saddened by Sen. Manchin's departure from U.S. Senate

“I think the Senate is going to miss him,” Prezioso said. “He never voted down party lines, but he always researched the issue and made the best decision predicated on what’s best for West Virginia, and I think West Virginia is going to miss him. ... He served the state well and Congress well. We need more people like him, and not just the polarized political system that we have now.”

State Sen. Mike Caputo, who himself is retiring after a storied career at the end of his term, said that he didn’t see the news as a huge surprise, wishing Manchin the best in whatever he chooses for the future.

“Joe has been a good public servant for West Virginia,” Caputo said. “I had the pleasure of serving with him for my whole legislative career, from him being secretary of state to governor to senator. There are many things that we agreed on, like his fight for coal mine pensions and lifetime healthcare, and of course, there were things we disagreed on, often. But, we always did it in a very respectful and courteous manner, and neither of us took any disagreement personally. I wish Joe and Gayle well in whatever the future brings to them, and I hope that he spends some time with his family and enjoys a little bit of what he’s missed in all these years of public service.”

Former West Virginia Democratic Party Chairwoman Belinda Biafore, who has known Manchin for decades, felt similarly to Prezioso and Caputo. She that while Manchin may have ruffled some feathers over the years, he has been invaluable to West Virginia.

“I don’t know if sad is the right word, because I’m sure we’re not done seeing him, but it’s disappointing that he’s not going to run again, because I think he’s done a lot of good things for the state, as well as the country,” Biafore said. “Him and his commonsense approach have carried us a long way. I know there are a lot of Democrats who have been aggravated with him, but it’s going to be a tough seat to fill without him. ...

“I respect his decision. He’s worked hard for a long, long time. He worked his way up through the channels, and he’s done it right in my books. I appreciate his friendship and everything he’s done for Marion County and West Virginia.”

Former Marion County commissioner Randy Elliott noted that no matter which position Manchin held over the last few decades, he believes the senator has always done right by West Virginians, and like the other Marion County officials, Elliott said Manchin’s presence in Washington will be missed.

“He was absolutely wonderful to the people of West Virginia,” Elliott said. “I supported him in all of his elections. He’s very smart, effective and was very successful in his political career. ... He was good for West Virginia. I can’t speak highly enough of him and what he’s done for the people of West Virginia. ...

“He’s worked tirelessly for working class people. He never let West Virginia down, no matter what success he had. ... I’ve always admired his ability to reason and look at things logically. I don’t know of anybody from West Virginia that’s done any better than him in politics.”