Manning Likes McIntosh For Environmental Post

Lial's fresmen senator says former rival would be 'top choice' for top position

MAVOCKE, ARA--President Menuhaeo is expected tomorrow to nominate former CNS senator Steven McIntosh (LIA) to head the Environmental Affairs Department, and already, McIntosh has one unlikely supporter--freshmen Senator Stephanie Manning (NAT).

It wasn't long ago that McIntosh and Manning were opponents. In December 2008, Manning, then a two-term congresswoman from Lial's southeast, defeated the moderately-voting McIntosh, who was running for his third term in the senate. Throughout the campaign, while McIntosh tried to portray himself as a centrist, Manning branded the two-term senator as a "Byelle puppet" who supported former President Dan Byelle's economic policies. This made for a sometimes harsh campaign of rhetoric and political attacks.

But now, Mr. McIntosh is receiving support from his former foe. Last week, in an interview with GBC Radio, Manning said she wants McIntosh to lead the Environmental Affairs Department.

"I think there's no question that Steven McIntosh has the qualifications for the job, and the tenacity and passion for the job, and that's why I plan on voting to confirm him" she said. "If I were the president, [McIntosh] would be a top choice."

When asked if their previous campaign made her less likely to support McIntosh's nomination, Manning gave an emphatic "no."

"Not at all. I ran against Steven McIntosh last year, and we had our disagreements during that campaign. But that doesn't mean that I can't support him. There is no question in my mind that Steven McIntosh has always been a supporter of the environment and I have no doubts that he'll work to protect our environment should he serve in that position, and I think you'll find most people in Mavocke, Conservative and Nationalist, would agree with me," Ms. Manning said.
Mr. McIntosh's office did not officially respond to Sen. Manning's endorsement, but spokeswoman Deborah Faller told GNN the former senator welcomes "every vote he can get."

McIntosh is expected to be nominated by President Menuhaeo tomorrow afternoon. GNN will have live coverage of the press conference.