- Joe Manchin, 78, and his daughter launched the Independent Leadership Council to recruit and back independent candidates nationwide — “not another party,” but “independent voices” who can vote across the aisle.
- The kickoff included candidates such as Rep. Kevin Kiley (running as an independent), Montana Senate hopeful Seth Bodnar and others; the Manchins say they could campaign, raise money and organize for chosen candidates.
- The push leans on a record 45% of Americans calling themselves independents and the potential influence in a closely divided Congress, though ballot access and fundraising remain major hurdles.
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