Manchin, WVU reply to hypothesis in regards to the senator changing into subsequent WVU president — by not addressing the query

MORGANTOWN – Hypothesis in regards to the subsequent profession step for Sen. Joe Manchin took a brand new twist over the weekend because the New York Instances reported – subsequently echoed by different media – that some Manchin allies have mentioned he could also be enticed to develop into WVU’s subsequent president.

Manchin’s spokesperson and a WVU assertion didn’t handle the report when requested about it Monday.

Manchin hasn’t given a lot concrete details about his subsequent steps. He’s up for reelection to his Senate seat in 2024 and dealing with sturdy potential Republican challengers in Gov. Jim Justice and Rep. Alex Mooney – the 2 high contenders within the GOP major.

The newest MetroNews West Virginia Ballot exhibits Justice main Mooney 58% to 26%. In a race in opposition to Manchin, Justice leads Manchin 51% to 38%, whereas Manchin has a slight edge over Mooney, 45% to 41%.

Manchin has mentioned he’ll resolve if he’s operating by late this yr or early subsequent.

One other chance steadily raised is Manchin main a third-party, centrist No Labels ticket within the presidential race. Fellow Democrats, although, have brazenly feared Manchin would act as a spoiler to assist unseat President Joe Biden – tipping the election to (for now) main GOP candidate former President Donald Trump.

In the meantime, WVU is experiencing turmoil because it proceeds via Tutorial Transformation – with packages and college on the chopping board, pending the Board of Governors vote on ultimate suggestions from the provost’s workplace on Sept. 15.

On the finish of July, the BOG voted to increase President Gordon Gee’s contract via June 30, 2025, at which era Gee plans to retire.

The Dominion Submit requested Manchin and WVU in regards to the hypothesis raised within the Instances.

Manchin spokeswoman Sam Runyon mentioned, “Sen. Manchin is laser targeted on delivering for West Virginia and has not made any determination about his future plans. As a graduate of West Virginia College, he stays steadfast in his dedication to the college and their mission to coach the following era of leaders.”

WVU mentioned, “Gordon Gee is West Virginia College’s president via June 2025, however our Board of Governors acknowledges its most important work post-academic transformation is the seek for our subsequent president. The BOG will take a look at finest practices and rent a agency for a nationwide search with no preconceived outcomes or candidates.”

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