JOE MANCHIN is his own man. That is what makes him so appealing as a politician.

The West Virginian is a Democratic by designation. The former Mountain State governor, however, has been known to cross the aisle and join arms with the Republicans if he felt that issue was the best for his home state. Party affiliation takes a backseat to the needs and wants of his constituents.

Manchin has been weighing his political options — whether to seek re-election to his Senate seat or bid for a return to the governor’s mansion.

He has done his home state proud in both capacities.

Manchin put the speculation to rest this weekend, opting for a run at Senate re-election.

He made that decision, “believing he can have the greatest impact by staying in Washington.” That well may be the case, but his track record is one of success every political step of the way.

Manchin’s re-election is almost a foregone conclusion. In the 2012 Senate election, he garnered a whopping 61 percent of the vote. In that same election, fellow Democrat President Barack Obama lost every West Virginia county against Mitt Romney.

His in-state popularity may yield few if any opponents. We see no one on the Mountain State landscape who could mount a formidable challenge.

Partisan politics has all too often led to gridlock with federal government. Manchin has shown he is willing to work with the other side in efforts to move forward.

The US Congress needs more flexible lawmakers like Manchin. His decision to seek re-election is a plus for Congress, leaving West Virginians in search of a quality governor.