Democrat Joe Manchin opposed Biden surgeon general pick under Obama

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Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., opposed Dr. Vivek Murthy’s previous nomination for a Cabinet role, as President-elect Joe Biden tapped him to serve in his administration on Monday.

Murthy was nominated and confirmed for the role of surgeon general during the Obama administration, but in December 2014, Manchin issued a press release detailing his reasons why he did not think Murthy was the best fit for the role at the time.

“After meeting with Dr. Murthy, I don’t question his medical qualifications; I just question whether the public will believe that he can separate his political beliefs from his public health views,” Manchin wrote. “I am wary that his past comments and political involvement will have an impact on his leadership capabilities and effectiveness.”

Manchin’s office did not comment specifically on Murthy when contacted by Fox News on Monday, but referred to a statement where the senator committed to reviewing each candidate's qualifications.

“As a former Governor, I understand how critical it is for an executive leader to build a team he can trust and is ready to begin the critical work immediately after being confirmed,” Manchin said. “The role of the Senate is to review and confirm these nominees and I take that responsibility seriously. I will carefully review the qualifications and merits of each nominee as they come before the Senate.” 

In order to be confirmed, Murthy must secure approval in the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a slim majority – with two critical runoff races pending next month for both of Georgia’s seats in the chamber.

BIDEN'S HHS FRONTRUNNERS SAY GUN CONTROL IS A HEALTH ISSUE

Despite Manchin’s opposition – Murthy was narrowly confirmed, 51 to 43, and served as surgeon general from 2014 through 2017. Some of his views on gun control sparked opposition among Republicans and the National Rifle Association.

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., also voted against him six years ago.

Murthy has long accused politicians of treating gun control as a political issue, particularly after the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

"Guns are a health care issue," Murthy said, in a resurfaced tweet, which put him at odds with Republicans and NRA officials when he was tapped for the post of surgeon general under former President Barack Obama in 2014.

While working for Obama, Murthy helped the country through the Ebola virus outbreak – an experience that could be helpful as the country battles surging COVID-19 cases.

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Fox News’ Vandana Rambaran contributed to this report.