Manchin says he doesn't support D.C. statehood

• D.C. statehood is a priority for Democrats, who call it a civil rights issue that would enfranchise the city's Black plurality.
• Republicans say the measure is an unconstitutional power grab.

What he's saying: "If Congress wants to make D.C. a state, it should propose a constitutional amendment ... and let the people of America vote," Manchin told Hoppy Kercheval of West Virginia's MetroNews.

• Congressional action would likely lead to a Supreme Court challenge, he noted.
• "Every legal scholar has told us that, so why not do it the right way and let the people vote to see if they want to change?"