Manchin bets on independents to reshape Congress with a new leadership council
Former West Virginia senator Joe Manchin, now an independent, launches the Independent Leadership Council to recruit and back independent candidates nationwide, stressing it’s not a new party. The kickoff in West Virginia drew aspiring independents such as Rep. Kevin Kiley and others, signaling a bid to mobilize growing independent sentiment to influence the next Congress despite practical hurdles like ballot access and fundraising.