Manchin to vote with Dems on taxes

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced Tuesday that he will vote on Democratic legislation to extend the Bush-era tax rates.

Manchin said he will join Democrats in voting to extend the rates for income up to $250,000 a year. The Democratic legislation would allow Bush-era rates on higher annual income to expire. Republicans want to extend all the rates for another year. 

The vote on the Democratic plan is expected to take place on Wednesday. 

"When considering these two proposals, I kept two priorities in mind: putting our fiscal house back in order and restoring fairness to the tax code," Manchin said in speech remarks provided by his office. "So, while I would prefer a bipartisan, comprehensive solution, I will support the plan to keep taxes low on families that make less than $250,000."

Manchin had previously voted against the Democratic proposal.

The junior senator from West Virginia is up for reelection in November. President Obama remains highly unpopular in Manchin's state and Manchin has not hesitated to break with his party and Obama on a number of issues and votes. He opposed a Democratic-backed payroll tax cut extension bill.

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