A Democrat from West Virginia, Senator Joe Manchin has had to often toe a very conservative political line. In doing so, he’s made himself more likeable among Republicans than Democrats.

Manchin was recently dubbed the most conservative Democrat in the Senate, according to National Journal. OpenSecrets.org went even further in assessing Manchin’s political standing, claiming the first-term senator is the only member of Congress who enjoys higher ratings from Republicans than from those in his own party.

When it comes to fundraising, Manchin can forget about contributions from liberal groups. That’s why his top sources of money come from coal companies and electrical utilities.

National Journal noted that Manchin has learned how to please (and anger) both sides of the aisle, while trying to maintain a moderate reputation.

Recently, he delighted conservatives by being the only Democrat to vote against legislation to raise the debt ceiling. That same week, however, he disappointed Republicans, and pleased the White House, by supporting Chuck Hagel for defense secretary.

West Virginia has a curious voting history. Although it has voted for the Republican candidate in the last four presidential elections, it is also the state that has gone the longest without electing a Republican Senator—57 years.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

Moderate Money (Open Secrets.org)

Joe Manchin in the Middle (by Michael Catalini, National Journal)

Joe Manchin (Open Secrets.org)

Joe Manchin Is Man in the Middle - of Guns and Senate (by William Douglas, McClatchy Newspapers)