Sen. Joe Manchin announced Tuesday he will vote for Attorney General nominee William P. Barr, making him the second Democrat to cross the aisle and support President Trump’s pick.
Mr. Manchin tweeted that he will support Mr. Barr ahead of the Senate’s cloture vote.
On Monday, a Manchin spokesman told The Washington Times that the West Virginia senator was undecided if he would vote in favor of Mr. Barr.
The yes vote adds a second Democrat to the Republican majority. Earlier this month, Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama said he would vote for Mr. Barr.
It is not surprising that Mr. Manchin would break with his party, which has vigorously opposed Mr. Barr’s nomination. He also voted in favor of two other controversial Trump nominees, Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky said Monday he will not vote for Mr. Barr. He is the first Republican to come out against the nominee.
SEE ALSO: Rand Paul to vote ‘no’ on William Barr, Trump attorney general nominee
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.