FEC filings show that Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, raised over $400,000 from energy companies.
Manchin has opposed certain climate-related features of the Democrats' proposed infrastructure bill.
Manchin, who represents West Virginia, also owns millions of dollars in coal stocks.
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Senator Joe Manchin raised over $400,000 from donors in the energy industry in the third quarter, including some from donors that normally give to Republicans, according to his latest filing with the Federal Election Commission.
Manchin has opposed certain climate-related stipulations within the Democrats' proposed $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill. The legislation also includes expanded safety net programs for workers and families, lower prescription drug prices, and billions of dollars toward healthcare benefits for seniors.
Democrats have been trying to rein in certain aspects of the bill — including its overall cost — to appease moderates like Manchin, as well as Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, according to Bloomberg.
Manchin, who is from West Virginia, also owns millions of dollars in coal stocks. West Virginia is the second-largest producer of coal in the US, according to the West Virginia Office of Energy.
Manchin raised $1.6 million in the third quarter, with over $400,000 coming from the oil and gas industry, according to his FEC filing. Manchin is not up for reelection until 2024.
Manchin received $74,600 from the employees and political action committee of energy company Energy Transfer Partners, according to Bloomberg and FEC documents.
The company's co-founder, Kelcy Warren, donated the maximum of $5,800–$2,900 to Manchin for his primary and general election campaigns, Bloomberg reported. Warren also hosted a fundraiser for former President Donald Trump and gave $13.7 million to GOP candidates and causes in 2020.
Biden's clean electricity program will likely be scrapped from the Democrat's reconciliation bill because of Manchin, Insider reported Saturday. Sources told The New York Times that Biden staffers are removing the program from the legislation after Manchin told the White House he strongly opposed it. The program would have encouraged oil- and gas-fired power plants to transition to renewables like wind, solar, and nuclear.
deathtotheemperor on October 16th, 2021 at 22:28 UTC »
The big problem here is that it's not actually very much money at all. Bernie could raise that much in about ten minutes. Raphael Warnock has tripled Sinema and Manchin fundraising combined, just by being a good guy who works hard for his constituents.
We have already proven, time and time again, that small dollar donations from individuals can absolutely crush the amounts of money that lobbyists can give. But what we can't do is stroke their egos. We can't give them the perceived power and prestige and insidery appeal that people like Sinema and Manchin crave. What Manchin wants is to be treated like a king, and that takes more than just money. I'm not sure how to get to people like that.
666GoatW on October 16th, 2021 at 21:57 UTC »
It's pathetic how little it takes to bribe Manchin and Sinema into fucking the planet.
Codebender on October 16th, 2021 at 21:35 UTC »
Lincoln: You can't own people
Lobbyists: Hold our beers