Why so many lobbyists are courting Senate Democrat Joe Manchin

The most conservative Democrat can decide whether bills are signed or left to meander in political purgatory in Congress

An increasing large number of lobbyists and outside groups in America all have a similar target: Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

And it's understandable why. In a Senate where Democrats hold the slimmest of majorities a vote by Manchin, the most conservative Senate Democrat, can decide whether legislation is signed into law or left to meander in political purgatory in Congress.