Manchin opens door for Schumer on judicial confirmations

• That's a huge win for Schumer, who was previously looking to capitalize on GOP absences or rely on Vice President Kamala Harris to break ties.

In a surprise, Manchin voted to advance the nomination of Kevin Ritz for the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, even though it picked up no Republican support.

• One lingering question: Manchin's team didn't say whether he'd abide by that standard in the future.
• "[W]hen the senator found out that the opposition to Mr. Ritz's nomination was largely based on political reasons as to how the WH handled the process, and not on his qualifications, he was not prepared to play that game," a spokesperson told Axios.

What's next: Schumer will prioritize votes on judges over the Senate's last two weeks in session before the election.

• If Senate Democrats confirm every judge awaiting action in the chamber right now, they would reach 241 confirmations — passing Trump's number of 234.