The Republican senator called it hypocritical to work with someone and then endorse against them “because they have an R or D by their name.”
Senators Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski crossed party lines to endorse each other’s campaigns during a joint appearance Sunday morning on CNN ‘s State of the Union. Manchin, who is a West Virginia Democrat, and Murkowski, who is an Alaska Republican, are among their parties most centrist members and have crossed party lines on votes before. In an increasingly polarized country, their endorsements offer a rare moment of bipartisanship. “Alaska could only be so lucky to have her continue to serve them,” Manchin said. “It’s hypocritical to basically work with a person day-in and day-out, and then when they’re in cycle, you’re supposed to be against them because they have an R or D by their name.” Murkowski said that senators crossing party lines to endorse their colleagues used to be more common than it is now, adding that she would endorse Manchin if he chooses to run again in 2024.
