‘The odds are against us’: Democrats in once-blue West Virginia survey loss

The exit of Democratic senator Joe Manchin signals nadir for the party in the state as Republicans tighten grip

Nibbling appetizers off American-flag printed paper plates in a city hall basement, the group of Democrat voters had been listening to a party official's appeals to get active in politics when Terri Rodebaugh stood up to air a grievance.

One thing I want to say is I'm tired of being called a baby killer, which I am not," said Rodebaugh, her shirt pink and her hair, like most others in the room, gray. Yet having such epithets hurled at them is what it has come to for party faithful and pro-choice West Virginians like Rodebaugh in Nicholas county.