National Right to Life today announced its endorsement of pro-life Attorney General Patrick Morrisey in West Virginia’s U.S. Senate election. Morrisey is challenging Sen. Joe Manchin, who is seeking a second full term.
“National Right to Life is pleased to endorse Patrick Morrisey for the U.S. Senate. Patrick Morrisey’s position on life reflects the true values of West Virginia’s voters,” said Carol Tobias, National Right to Life president. “Many West Virginia voters will be disappointed to learn that while Joe Manchin claims to be pro-life, he has a dismal 44 percent pro-life voting record in his career as a U.S. senator.”
Sen. Joe Manchin (D) supports giving hundreds of millions of dollars of government funds to Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, which performs about one out of every three abortions in America.
Patrick Morrisey is pro-life and supports legal protection of unborn children, and he opposes using tax dollars to pay for abortion. As West Virginia’s attorney general, Patrick Morrisey joined the national lawsuit supporting conscience rights of Little Sisters of the Poor. He joined other attorneys general nationwide to defend H.R. 2, a Texas pro-life law, and North Carolina’s Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.
Patrick Morrisey opposes giving hundreds of millions of government dollars to abortion providers. Morrisey will vote for legislation to take those millions away from abortion providers and direct them to health care providers that will offer more comprehensive and accessible health care to more women.
National Right to Life’s endorsement of Morrisey reflects the reality that the next U.S. senator from West Virginia will come from one of the two major political parties. Businessman Don Blankenship is running against Morrisey and Manchin on the Constitution Party line.
“Don Blankenship is a dear friend and I respect his longstanding commitment to life,” said Karen Cross, National Right to Life political director. “However, history has shown that third-party candidates do not fare well in general elections. This year, of all years, we need to make more than a statement – we need to make a difference. To make that difference, unborn children need Joe Manchin, who has been a disappointment to pro-life West Virginians, out of the U.S. Senate.”
“West Virginia’s unborn children deserve a senator like Patrick Morrisey, who will vote to protect their lives, rather than Joe Manchin, who votes to protect the financial interests of the abortion industry,” added Tobias.
In a strategic move reflecting the heightened importance of abortion rights in American political campaigns, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) has officially endorsed Patrick Morrisey for the U.S. Senate seat from West Virginia. This endorsement, aimed at unseating the incumbent Senator Joe Manchin, underscores the NRLC’s commitment to electing candidates who align with their pro-life values.
The National Right to Life Committee’s Endorsement
The NRLC, one of the most prominent pro-life advocacy organizations in the United States, has thrown its support behind Patrick Morrisey, citing his consistent pro-life stance and legislative record. The NRLC believes that Morrisey’s election would advance their goals of protecting unborn children and enacting stricter abortion regulations.
Patrick Morrisey’s Pro-Life Record
Patrick Morrisey, who served as West Virginia’s Attorney General before his Senate run, has established a strong pro-life reputation. His pro-life credentials include:
- Legislative Actions: As Attorney General, Morrisey has supported and defended pro-life legislation, including laws aimed at restricting abortion access and promoting alternatives such as adoption.
- Legal Advocacy: Morrisey has been involved in legal challenges to defend pro-life laws at both the state and federal levels, reinforcing his commitment to the pro-life cause.
- Public Statements: He has been vocal about his pro-life views, consistently advocating for the protection of unborn children and opposing measures that expand abortion rights.
Senator Joe Manchin’s Position on Abortion
Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat known for his moderate stance on various issues, has a mixed record on abortion that reflects his attempts to balance the diverse views of his constituents. Key aspects of Manchin’s position include:
- Moderate Pro-Life Votes: Manchin has supported some pro-life measures, such as the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion, and has occasionally voted in favor of restricting late-term abortions.
- Pro-Choice Support: Despite his moderate pro-life votes, Manchin has also sided with pro-choice advocates on key votes, including opposing efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and supporting access to reproductive healthcare.
- Public Statements: Manchin has emphasized the need for common-sense regulations that protect women’s health while also expressing his belief in the sanctity of life, trying to maintain a centrist position in the highly polarized abortion debate.
The Political Context
West Virginia, a state with a strong conservative base, represents a crucial battleground in the 2018 midterm elections. The NRLC’s endorsement of Morrisey is part of a broader strategy to capitalize on the state’s conservative leanings and unseat Manchin, who has been a contentious figure due to his balancing act on abortion and other issues.
Impact of the Endorsement
The NRLC’s endorsement of Morrisey is expected to energize pro-life voters in West Virginia and attract significant campaign support from pro-life organizations. This support includes financial contributions, volunteer efforts, and strategic campaigning designed to highlight Manchin’s mixed record on abortion and promote Morrisey as a consistent pro-life advocate.
Reactions to the Endorsement
Supporters of Patrick Morrisey
Pro-life advocates and supporters of Morrisey have welcomed the NRLC’s endorsement, viewing it as a validation of his unwavering commitment to protecting the unborn. They believe that Morrisey’s election to the Senate would strengthen pro-life representation and advance legislative efforts to restrict abortion access and promote life-affirming alternatives.
Critics and Supporters of Joe Manchin
Supporters of Joe Manchin and pro-choice advocates have criticized the NRLC’s endorsement, arguing that Morrisey’s hardline stance on abortion could undermine women’s reproductive rights. They highlight Manchin’s efforts to balance pro-life and pro-choice perspectives and emphasize the importance of maintaining a centrist voice in the Senate to protect access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
Broader Implications
The NRLC’s endorsement of Morrisey against Manchin underscores the broader national debate over abortion rights and reflects the high stakes involved in Senate elections. The outcome of this race could influence federal abortion policies and the direction of reproductive rights in the United States, particularly as the Senate plays a crucial role in confirming judicial appointments and shaping the legislative agenda.
Conclusion
The National Right to Life Committee’s endorsement of Patrick Morrisey for the U.S. Senate seat from West Virginia, paired with its opposition to incumbent Senator Joe Manchin, highlights the significant role of abortion issues in the 2018 midterm elections. As both candidates prepare for the election, their contrasting positions on abortion will remain a central theme, influencing voter decisions and potentially shaping the legislative landscape on reproductive rights in the United States.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
