Manchin Affirms Distributing PAC Funds Toward Bipartisan Initiatives
Over the course of my tenure in the US Senate, I've aimed to gather everyone for discussions — like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the Electoral Reform Act and reasonable gun-safety regulations — regardless of political beliefs, to find sensible solutions to America's major problems, such as our skyrocketing national debt, sky-high living costs for families nationwide and the predicament at our southern border.
However, it's evident after my 14 years in Washington, DC, that the American political sphere is in disarray, and both parties are finding it increasingly challenging to agree and find common ground. It's not just me who sees this as an issue: As per a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 86% of Americans agreed that “Republicans and Democrats are more engrossed in fighting each other than solving problems” is an accurate description of our political system.
We require a comprehensive alteration of the excessively partisan system in which the Democratic and Republican parties have a monopoly over high-dollar donors, online fundraising, and massive checks from political action committees (PACs).
In response, I am taking a crucial and immediate action to correct one of these wrongs by converting my Country Roads PAC from one predominantly affecting the Democratic Party into a bipartisan PAC to support Democrats, Republicans, and independents in all levels of government who are dedicated to working across the aisle to reach agreements, such as preserving the filibuster in the Senate, opposing efforts to sabotage our democracy, open defiance of the party establishment, prioritizing the nation over the party, and doing what's right for America.
Primarily, I will recognize individuals who have collaborated across the aisle and passed legislation, engaged in bipartisan discussions, and stood up to extremes.
The first three individuals I am backing have a proven track record of collaborating across the aisle to implement meaningful legislation for our country and their respective states and districts.
Maine Sen. Angus King has been an independent voice in the Senate and played a part in enacting significant bipartisan legislation, such as the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act that aided small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic and the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act that assists Americans impacted by the opioid crisis.
Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine has challenged extremist voices in both parties, leads the financially prudent Blue Dog Coalition, and has secured historically significant legislative triumphs, such as helping secure votes for the infrastructure bill.
Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania co-chairs the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and has dedicated his entire career to our country, serving as an FBI special agent and federal prosecutor before becoming one of the most bipartisan members in the House.
In essence, they always prioritize the nation over the party.
These are the kinds of representatives that Congress and, more importantly, our country need. They don't cater to the outskirts of either party to gain followers on X (formerly Twitter), they don't seek flashy headlines and viral moments on cable news, and they aren't concerned about conversing with or collaborating with the opposing side — they are committed to doing what is right for their constituents and our country. They don't care if it's a Democratic or Republican idea; they care if it's a solution for America.
Our two-party duopoly is a big business. Both Democrats and Republicans hire intricate external networks of outside groups that raise billions of dollars to intensify their influence and constrain Americans' options at the ballot box. In the Pew survey, 85% of Americans agreed that “the cost of political campaigns makes it difficult for good people to run for office.”
No matter how compelling the message or how strong the candidate is, few outside the party establishment have any hope of breaking through that duopoly.
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Let it be clear, my financial contributions won't transform the landscape or rectify our broken system. Yet, I believe they convey an important message to voters, donors, and companies that we can and should all do our part to alter the system.
It conveys a message that we can and should support these candidates who will fight for their constituents and not simply vote “no” on everything. I've always remarked that “no” is the simplest vote in Washington. Achieving “yes” is difficult and should be applauded and incentivized.
In every nook of the nation, I will continue scouting for candidates who shun party loyalty tests and undertake the strenuous work required to revive bipartisanship and represent the millions of Americans who feel neglected by both Democrats and Republicans. These PAC checks will be an investment in responsible governance, not a reward for reprehensible conduct.
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In Manchin's new bipartisan PAC, funds will be distributed toward candidates who hold diverse opinions, promoting collaboration across party lines. The necessity for such a shift was highlighted in the 2023 Pew Research Center survey, where 86% of Americans agreed that both parties are more focused on fighting each other than solving issues.
