Following reports Wednesday morning that Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) had conceded that his proposal to expand background checks for gun purchases did not have sufficient support, a spokesman for the West Virginia Democrat issued a statement to convey optimism on the measure’s prospects.
“Senator Manchin remains optimistic and hopeful that if Senators and the American people read the bill, they will support his commonsense approach to require criminal and mental background checks for advertised sales, including purchases at gun shows and online sales, without infringing on Americans’ Second Amendment rights,” spokesman Jonathan Kott said in the statement.
“So far Senator Manchin has managed to garner support from an A-rated NRA member and three Republican Senators as well as 90 percent of his own party. With a record like that, I see no reason to bet against Senator Manchin today. He will continue to explain his bill to his colleagues and anyone with concerns until the minute they vote.”
