Manchin for First Time Bucks Biden Judge, Narrowing Nominee Path

Sen. Joe Manchin for the first time cast votes against one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees, complicating the White House’s push to fill the federal bench with more liberal lifetime appointees.

Manchin (D-W.Va.) on Thursday joined Republicans in opposing voting rights lawyer Nancy Abudu’s confirmation to sit on the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

A Manchin spokesperson said it was important that the Senate avoid confirming “partisan advocates” to federal courts, especially at the appellate level, at a time Americans have lost faith in the courts. The Senate, however, still confirmed Abudu without the need to ...