Behold, The Power of Joe

Already enjoying some of the highest approval ratings nationwide, Gov. Joe Manchin is also one of the most powerful state chief executives in the U.S., according to a new analysis.

The nonpartisan Stateline.org offers highlights of the study, by University of North Carolina political science professor Thad L. Beyle.

Manchin is fifth nationwide in Beyle's latest power rankings, which weigh tenure, budget authority, appointment and veto powers. The rankings also score governors on whether their parties also control the Legislature (as Manchin's does in W.Va.).

Manchin earns his highest marks for the control the state constitution gives him over the budget, when compared to the budgetary powers of other governors.

Manchin's counterparts in Massachusetts, Alaska, Maryland and New Jersey precede him in the list.

"Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas (R) with just a two-year term in office, a Democratic-controlled Legislature and no line-item veto ranks last in terms of institutional power, according to Beyle’s rankings," the article said.

The article also says: "In another survey, Beyle looks at both the personal as well as institutional powers of governors, although those findings are incomplete since the job performances for governors elected in 2006 are not yet available. The top five in that list are: Colorado, Nebraska, Arkansas, Connecticut and New York."