Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced Monday that he’ll vote for Mike Pompeo to lead the State Department, becoming the second Democrat to endorse the nomination and all but assuring confirmation later this week.
“After meeting with Mike Pompeo, discussing his foreign policy perspectives, & considering his distinguished time as CIA Director & his exemplary career in public service, I will vote to confirm Mike Pompeo to be our next Secretary of State,” Manchin announced on Twitter Monday morning.
Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., announced her support for Pompeo on Thursday.
Pompeo is nonetheless headed for defeat in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Monday night thanks to opposition from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and no known support from the Democrats on the committee. The committee has 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats, so one switch from the GOP side means he can’t be approved in the committee unless a Democrat supports him, and none are expected to.
