Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., resigned as honorary co-chair of the bipartisan centrist group No Labels, which endorsed the victorious Republican Senate candidate in Colorado over Manchin’s incumbent Democratic colleague.
‘No Labels began as an organization that attempted to foster bipartisan conversation amongst members of Congress on both sides of the aisle,’ Manchin said in a statement Friday. ‘I believe in this mission, and believe that No Labels has done a lot to open a dialogue, not only between Democrats and Republicans, but also between members of the House and Senate – something that was lacking in Washington.’
He added: ‘Given my position as a sitting United States Senator, who cannot be involved in the day-to-day decision making of the organization, I believe it is appropriate for me at this time to step down as honorary Co-Chair.’
No Labels ventured into the Colorado Senate race when it endorsed Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., who narrowly defeated incumbent Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Gardner’s win helped Republicans regain control of the Senate.
Manchin, who was a No Labels honorary co-chair with former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, a Republican, said that he’ll continue to work with the group ‘to foster bipartisan communication and bring some common sense back to Washington.’