Keep in mind that Manchin is not invincible. In fact, if Hillary Clinton is terribly unpopular, WV should be among the Republican prime targets. Why? Because of its Republican trend, its demographics (no big minority turnout the Democrats could count on) and the fact that the GOP could put up a credible candidate who emphasizes some of Manchin's liberal positions (for example on abortion). If John Raese of all people can get 43% of the vote in a great Republican year, then a REAL Republican candidate can win.
Yes, if Jenkins, McKinley, or Morrisey decided to challenge Manchin, they'd have a shot. But Manchin would still be definitively favored, and in the end they'd probably decide they wouldn't want to run against him. Typically, races that start at Likely D (as Manchin vs. (insert good republican here) would) stay in the democratic column.
But, once Manchin stops running for political office, the WV dems will go the way of OK/KS dems - get a miracle in a governor's race every once in a while, but lose everything else.
It's weird how both chambers of the WV legislature went Republican, but the lower house in KY is still Democratic.
