Manchin only Democrat to vote against EPA chief

[Lasher]

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin voted Thursday against confirming Gina McCarthy to run the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during President Obama's second term, making him the only Democrat to oppose Obama's pick for the post.

McCarthy won Senate approval by a 59-40 vote. Republicans had tied up her nomination since March 7, a record delay for an EPA administrator.

Manchin, in a floor speech hours prior to the final vote, did not challenge McCarthy's qualifications for the job, but said he opposed her as part of his fight over coal policies "with the EPA and the president who nominated her."

"That fight will not end with the Senate's vote on Ms. McCarthy's nomination," Manchin said. "That fight will continue until the EPA stops its regulatory rampage and until the president comes up with feasible policies that achieve real energy independence."

http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201307180107

Another 'look at me!' vote by Manchin.