CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Leaders of the largest political pro-life group, Susan B. Anthony List, plan to work against the reelection of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin from bases in several West Virginia cities, part of an effort in six states to unseat what the group’s campaign chair calls “six vulnerable Democrats.”
Protesters with SBA List were in Charleston last week for their first rally calling on Manchin to vote in favor of the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. The group opened its headquarters in the Capital City that day and plans similar efforts in places like Parkersburg, Clarksburg, Wheeling and Martinsburg, SBA List National Campaign Chair Jill Stanek told MetroNews.
“We have been canvassing in states during elections, senatorial elections, since 2014 and we are 10 for 10,” Stanek said.
The group knocks on doors of registered voters, low-turnout pro-life Republicans, pro-life Democrats and pro-life Hispanics.
Manchin has said he hasn’t yet decided how he’ll vote on Kavanaugh.
“He has the all the right qualities. He’s well-educated and, with that, we have to just look at making sure that the rule of law and the Constitution is going to be followed and that’s going to basically preempt anything else he does,” Manchin said last week on MetroNews “Talkline.” “Most importantly, I intend to hear from West Virginians.”Manchin plans meetings with Kavanaugh before and after his appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Stanek said if Manchin is pro-life like he has claimed, he should vote for Kavanaugh but she also told MetroNews her group would still work against his reelection if he does vote in favor of confirmation.
“We would still oppose him but we think it’s the right thing to do. It certainly would help him but we still think he still is squishy on the issue of abortion and has voted to fund Planned Parenthood,” Stanek said.
Manchin’s opponent, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, has received the endorsement of West Virginians for Life. Manchin received that endorsement for years while he was a member of the state legislature and during his time as governor.