West Justice, Governor Jim Justice (R), the Sen. Joe Manchin
Joseph (Joe) ManchinShow preview Sunday: Manchin rounds out crucial role in coronavirus relief debate Biden takes victory after Senate passes coronavirus aid package, Schumer insists Democrats unite after chaotic coronavirus debate MORE (DW.Va.) a ‘professional politician’ in response to Manchin’s allegations that the governor used the funding of the CARES Act for unrelated purposes.
On CBS ‘”Face the Nation” Sunday, Margaret Brennan notes the criticism of Manchin, himself a former governor of West Virginia, regarding the use of funds for road work in the state.
‘Joe Manchin is a professional politician. “I’m not going to get into a food fight with Joe Manchin,” Justice said. ‘We have handled the CARES dollars perfectly here, and this state is very well managed. If Joe wants to get on with all his political rhetoric and all, I can do nothing about it. ”
Justice defended the use of CARES Act funds, saying the roadworks in question are directly relevant to hospital access.
West Virginia Gov. @JimJusticeWV responds to criticism from Senator Joe Manchin that Justice used CARES Act money for projects it was not intended for:
“Joe Manchin is a professional politician … I’m not going to get into a food fight with Joe Manchin.” pic.twitter.com/v8nTXyIaMD
– Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) 7 March 2021
“We have spent $ 50 million of our CARES $ 1.25 billion on medical access roads to help people in West Virginia get to a medical facility,” he said. “Our roads have come in terrible shape … and we have spent absolutely $ 50 million of $ 1.25 billion on road repairs.”
Justice, who was outspoken about upholding coronavirus restrictions and mask mandates, also called on his fellow Republicans to be a little more prudent to lift them.
“For us to get on rock-solid ground is the approach that West Virginia is going to follow,” he said.