Senator was hosting holiday celebration December 22, 2010 - By Jenni Vincent, Journal staff writer
MARTINSBURG - U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin told state reporters Tuesday he takes responsibility for a decision to attend a family function last Saturday, which meant he missed two key Senate votes - including the immigration DREAM Act and an opportunity to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law.
He also said "adjustments" will be made when future conflicts arise.
Speaking during a teleconference, Manchin, D-W.Va., said he'd made a commitment to his children and grandchildren more than a year ago to hold their Christmas celebration on Dec. 18.
"Saturday was our Christmas and Saturday night was our Christmas dinner," said Manchin, adding that he returned to work in Washington for Sunday's votes.
He said his family holds its holiday get-together a week early every other year to accommodate the child-custody arrangements between his daughter, Heather Bresch, and her ex-husband, Doug Kirby.
Although he said the gathering was not a "party" as some had portrayed it, Manchin acknowledged that attending it - instead of being on Capitol Hill - was not a good decision on his part.
Manchin also said he had spoken with other Senate leaders to explain his position and entered them in the Congressional Record.
Some state residents weren't happy with his absence and expressed their displeasure, as well as state leaders such as West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue, he said.
Perdue issued a statement Tuesday charging Manchin with "ineffective representation and leadership."
"There have been some pretty tough statements on it. Kenny is my friend and everyone is entitled to their opinion. But the only thing I would ask is that you at least give me the benefit of the doubt. I made a mistake and I'll be the first to tell you that," Manchin said.
"But basically I erred and made that decision myself based on a commitment I made to my grandchildren. So we are just going to have to make more adjustments as a family when something like this comes up again," he said.
He didn't leave other senators in the dark about his plans or his positions, Manchin said.
He said he'd spoken to Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., Friday night about the "Don't ask, don't tell" law banning gay people from serving openly in the military, as well as Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., regarding the DREAM Act.
"At that time they knew how I stood and if I would be there how I would vote. I think Senator Durbin knew he was short and that wasn't going to work, no matter what," Manchin said.
The DREAM Act would have granted young illegal immigrants a route to legal status. It failed. On the other measure, the Senate voted to end the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military.
Three Republicans also missed votes on both measures: Sens. Jim Bunning of Kentucky, Orrin Hatch of Utah and Judd Gregg of New Hampshire. But Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, participated in both even though he was scheduled to have prostate cancer surgery on Monday, according to the Associated Press.
In recording how he would have voted in the Congressional Record, Manchin said he would have voted against the DREAM Act, although overall he does "believe the immigration system is broken and must be fixed."
He also indicated a "no" vote against repealing "Don't ask, don't tell," because he was concerned about its timing and implementation.
Being afraid to vote wasn't the issue, he said.
"I've never been afraid to make the tough decisions and explain my position, but if I made a mistake I would correct it," Manchin said.
Having taken office 33 days before those weekend votes, Manchin's absence didn't change the fate of either measure. But he was the sole Senate Democrat opposed to repealing the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. President Barack Obama plans to sign that measure into law today.
Manchin was elected in November to fill the unexpired term of the late Robert C. Byrd.
- Staff writer Jenni Vincent can be reached at 304-263-8931, ext. 138, or jvincent@journal-news.net
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