Manchin Expects Million-Dollar Inaugural

"Four years ago, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin spent $1.3 million on his inauguration," and "plans to spend more later this month for his second inauguration ceremony," The Intelligencer reports.

With private contributors footing the bill, Manchin campaign spokeswoman Sarah Payne Scarbro told the Wheeling newspaper that "we anticipate raising the same amount of money this year," though "because of price increases over the past four years, we could be spending more."

While previewing the events scheduled for Charleston, the article notes that this year's plans do not include the regional inaugural ceremonies held in 2005 in Wheeling and in the Eastern Panhandle.

"Manchin is one of 11 governors being sworn into office this month, and six of the elected governors have announced they are foregoing inaugural ceremonies as their states struggle financially," the article said. "But West Virginia remains one of several states in solid financial shape, and Manchin feels there is much to celebrate, according to Scarbro."