A. James Manchin

Antonio James Manchin (April 7, 1927 – November 3, 2003) was a West Virginia Democratic politician who served as a member of the House of Delegates (1948–50; 1998–2003), as Secretary of State (1977–85), and as State Treasurer (1985–89); he resigned as Treasurer a day before his impeachment trial. A colorful and controversial figure, he was the uncle of future West Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin.

Early life Manchin was born in Farmington, West Virginia to Kathleen and Joseph Manchin I. His parents were of Italian descent. He was educated in the schools of Marion County and was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1948 at age 21, but was defeated for re-election in 1950.

In 1951, Manchin received his bachelor's degree in political science and sociology from West Virginia University.

In 1972, he ran for West Virginia Secretary of State when incumbent Jay Rockefeller retired to run for governor. In the seven-candidate Democratic primary, he finished second with 18% of the vote, behind Thomas Winner who won with a plurality of 20% of the vote. After the election, Governor Arch A. Moore Jr. in 1973 appointed him to direct the Rehabilitation Environmental Action Program (REAP), a successful effort which rid the State of more than 100,000 junked cars

Statewide office In 1976, Manchin ran again for Secretary of State and defeated incumbent Republican James R. McCartney 55%–45%. In 1980, he won re-election with 71% of the vote.

Elected State Treasurer in 1984, he created the Teddi Program, which brought 28,000 new jobs to West Virginia. The impeachment resolution blamed Manchin for negligence in delegating and supervising the investment fund, making improper investments and covering up losses.

Though he initially vowed to stay in office, conviction by the Senate would have meant losing his eligibility to run for office again, and could have cost him his pension.

Tenure The House of Delegates called him "a flamboyant character of the first magnitude" and praised his love of ceremony in their resolution honoring him after his death.

Committee assignments Government Organization Roads and Transportation Veteran Affair (Vice Chair) Enrolled Bills (Chair)

Personal life Manchin was married to Stella Machel Petros and had three children. One of his sons, Mark, is Harrison County, West Virginia Superintendent of Schools. A Roman Catholic, A. James Manchin served as a lector at his church.