A. James Manchin

Antonio James Manchin (April 7, 1927 – November 3, 2003) was a West Virginia Democratic politician who served as a member of the House of Delegates (1948–50; 1998-2003), as Secretary of State (1977–85), and as State Treasurer (1985–89). A colorful and controversial figure, he was the uncle of former West Virginia Governor and current U.S. Senator Joe Manchin III, who, like his uncle, served as Secretary of State at one time.

A. James Manchin
Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 43rd district
In office 1998[1] – 2003 Serving with Mike Caputo, Linda Longstreth
Succeeded by	Tim Manchin
In office 1948–1950
21st[2] Treasurer of West Virginia
In office 1985–1989
Governor	Arch A. Moore, Jr.
Preceded by	Larrie Bailey
Succeeded by	Thomas Loehr
25th West Virginia Secretary of State
In office 1977–1985
Governor	Jay Rockefeller
Preceded by	James R. McCartney
Succeeded by	Ken Hechler
Personal details
Born	Antonio James Manchin April 7, 1927 Farmington, West Virginia
Died	November 3, 2003 (aged 76) Fairmont, West Virginia
Political party	Democratic Party
Spouse(s)	Stella Machel Petros
Children	3
Residence	Fairmont, West Virginia
Alma mater	West Virginia University
Profession	high school teacher

Early life and education

Manchin was born in Farmington, West Virginia to Kathleen and Joseph Manchin I. His parents were of Italian descent.[3] He received an A.B. degree in political science and sociology and a master's degree in education from West Virginia University.

Early career (1948-1975)

Manchin was first elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1948 at age 21, but was defeated in his bid for re-election in 1950. He spent most of the 1950s working as a high school teacher and wrestling coach.[4]

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed him to serve as State Director of the Farmers Home Administration and he served at the federal level as Special Assistant to the National Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration, holding those positions.

In 1972, he ran for West Virginia Secretary of State when incumbent Jay Rockefeller retired to run for governor. In the seven candidate Democratic primary, he lost and ranked second place with 18% of the vote, behind Thomas Winner who won with a plurality of 20% of the vote.[5] After the election, Governor Arch A. Moore, Jr. in 1973 appointed him to direct the Rehabilitation Environmental Action Program (REAP), a successful effort which rid the State of more than 100,000 junked cars[4] as well as numerous appliances.

Statewide offices (1976-1989)

In 1976, Manchin ran again to become Secretary of State and defeated incumbent Republican James McCartney 55%-45%.[6]

In 1980, he won re-election with 71% of the vote.[7]

Elected State Treasurer in 1984, he created the Teddi Program which brought 28,000 new jobs to West Virginia.[4] He was impeached by the House of Delegates on March 30, 1989, amid a controversy over bad investments that lost the state $279 million mainly during the time period between April and June 1987.[8] The impeachment resolution blamed Manchin for negligence in delegating and supervising the investment fund, making improper investments and covering up losses.[9]

Though he initially vowed to stay in office, conviction by the Senate would have meant losing his eligibility to run for office again, and could have cost him his pension.[9] He resigned before his trial by the State Senate was completed.

West Virginia legislature (1998-2003)

Elections

He later returned to the House of Delegates in 1998, where he served until his death from a massive heart attack in 2003.[10]

Tenure

The House of Delegates called him "a flamboyant character of the first magnitude" and praised his love of ceremony in their resolution honoring him after his death.[4]

Committee assignments

• Government Organization
• Roads and Transportation
• Veteran Affair (Vice Chair)
• Enrolled Bills (Chair)

Personal life

Manchin was married to Stella Machel Petros and had three children. One of his sons, Mark, is Harrison County, West Virginia Superintendent of Schools. [11] A Roman Catholic, he served as a lector at his church.[4]

References

1. "Williamson Daily News - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved Nov 21, 2020.
2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-12-20. Retrieved 2011-12-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
3. Joseph, Manchin. "1930 US Census, Marion County, West Virginia". FamilySearch. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
4. "House Resolution 4, a Memorial to Manchin". 2004.
5. "Our Campaigns - WV Secretary of State - D Primary Race - May 09, 1972". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved Nov 21, 2020.
6. "Our Campaigns - WV Secretary of State Race - Nov 02, 1976". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved Nov 21, 2020.
7. "Our Campaigns - WV Secretary of State Race - Nov 04, 1980". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved Nov 21, 2020.
8. Associated Press. "Impeachment in West Virginia", The New York Times, March 30, 1989.
9. A.V. Gallagher (March 30, 1989). "Manchin impeached, but vows to stay on". The Free-Lance-Star. Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Associated Press.
10. Legendary W.Va. Politician, Del. A. James Manchin Dies, The Times Leader, 3 Nov 2003
11. "Point Pleasant Register - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved Nov 21, 2020.

Further reading

• Icenhower, Greg (1990), A. James Manchin: A Biography of Controversy; Headline Books, 212 pgs.

External links

• A. James Manchin at The Political Graveyard
• Rehabilitation Environmental Action Program (REAP)