U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito reflected on 10 years of service with fellow U.S. Senator Joe Manchin at the West Virginia Business Summit Thursday.
Capito started her remarks by reminding the audience that after Dec. 31 she will be the senior senator from the Mountain State.
“He tells me I’m going to miss him, and I will,” Capito said speaking of Manchin, who decided not to seek re-election. “We have worked incredibly well together, and I will miss seeing him, but I’m sure I’ll see him. I see him everywhere because I see him at the grocery store, we saw him down at the bike race, we see Joe and Gayle everywhere.”
Capito played a video tribute and talked about the first time she met Manchin in 1977, when she needed carpet in her home. She then spoke about working together in Washington, D.C., and their shared accomplishments.
“We did the Mine Worker Protection Act for the miners; we did the (New River) National Park & Preserve, which is a generational legacy project that we’re both very proud of and a lot of economic development issues,” Capito said. “We’re there for one another when one can’t show up we’ll usually mention the other and try to cover for them.”
She recognized Manchin’s wife Gayle and the many years of friendship they have enjoyed at different stages of their careers. She said she and Joe have worked together, and their spouses, Gayle and Charlie, have supported and participated every step of the way.
“Gayle has been not just a steady partner to Joe, but she’s been an intelligent and creative entity in our state for many years, particularly with the Appalachian Regional Commission,” Capito said. “And she’s been a good friend to me and to Charlie. She and Charlie go to a lot of spouse events together and they always catch up with one another.”
In a polarized political environment, Capito said there have been disagreements but never discord. In fact, even from opposing parties, they have supported each year during the legislative process.
“We disagree respectfully, and then we get up the next morning and hit the ground running,” Capito said. “It’s been a really good 10 years.”
Capito and Manchin embraced after her remarks.