CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A conservative advocacy group is targeting senators in multiple states, including West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, over the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Americans for Prosperity announced Tuesday a six-figure campaign to encourage residents of Florida, Indiana, West Virginia and North Dakota to contact their senators and ask them to support confirming Kavanaugh.
Americans for Prosperity is part of the Koch brothers’ political network. Charles Koch announced in June that his brother, David, would be stepping down from his multiple positions, including as chairman of the Americans for Prosperity Foundation.
President Donald Trump announced his nomination of Kavanaugh on July 9. Kavanaugh currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and previously worked under Ken Starr and in the administration of President George W. Bush.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., previously said Kavanaugh was an “excellent choice” for the position, but Manchin, D-W.Va., said he is concerned about Kavanaugh’s views of the federal health care law and what it could mean for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Manchin’s office launched a web page and email earlier this week for constituents to submit their thoughts on Kavanaugh.
“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 everything else he does,” Manchin said on July 11’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
Americans for Prosperity’s campaign includes a new 30-second digital ad, website and mailing initiative, all of which highlights Kavanaugh’s position on the role of the judicial branch.
Jason Huffman, Americans for Prosperity-West Virginia state director, said Kavanaugh has a “rock-solid” record of restraining the authority of judges.
“If Manchin truly wants a nominee who follows the ‘rule of law and the Constitution,’ then we hope through this effort he finds that Kavanaugh is his guy,” he said. “Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation would be a historic opportunity for the American people.”
The campaign will be launched in Missouri, Pennsylvania, Montana, Ohio, Michigan and Alabama at a later date.