If Manchin ran as a Republican, his power in the Senate would be unexceptional. By being one of two swing votes who allow Schumer to be Majority Leader, he can deliver more for industry sponsors -- they still get the chair of the Senate's Energy and Natural Resources committee (Manchin himself), but they also get the cooperation of Senate Democrats on these matters.
If Manchin ran as a Republican, his power in the Senate would be unexceptional. By being one of two swing votes who allow Schumer to be Majority Leader, he can deliver more for industry sponsors -- they still get the chair of the Senate's Energy and Natural Resources committee (Manchin himself), but they also get the cooperation of Senate Democrats on these matters.
If Manchin ran as a Republican, his power in the Senate would be unexceptional. By being one of two swing votes who allow Schumer to be Majority Leader, he can deliver more for industry sponsors -- they still get the chair of the Senate's Energy and Natural Resources committee (Manchin himself), but they also get the cooperation of Senate Democrats on these matters.