Manchin demurs amid reports of a potential gubernatorial bid

Sen. Joe Manchin demurred when asked about a new report that he's being encouraged to run for governor — but didn't rule it out.

West Virginia MetroNews reported on Monday that some Republicans are encouraging Manchin (D-W.Va.) to run for governor, his old job, against Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who Manchin defeated in a 2018 Senate race. Huntington Mayor Steve Williams is the Democratic nominee in the state's gubernatorial election.

"I heard that this morning, the rumors. I've supported my friend Steve Williams, we've known each other for 40 years ... he's a good person. I don't know what's going on. So basically I'll just wait until I go home," Manchin said on Monday evening.

Manchin has often flirted with running for governor — or other offices — only to eventually reject the possibility.

When reporters pressed him to rule it out, he gave a typically noncommittal answer and suggested he's eager to get away from Washington. "I'm not involved in anything right now except for running for the border of West Virginia so I can enjoy my life," he quipped.