Planned Parenthood’s political arm and a coalition of progressive groups are pushing senators to oppose Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh by sharing stories from their constituents.
The campaign, called #dearsenators, hopes to use personal stories from constituents on how Kavanaugh could affect their lives if he is confirmed to the Supreme Court. It is the latest campaign from progressive groups who view Kavanaugh as a threat to abortion rights and Obamacare.
The campaign has a website, dearsenators.org, that features voice recordings of patient stories and a way for supporters to send their own voicemail to senators.
“They should get ready to hear from their constituents en masse,” said Vernessa Shih, story bank director at the liberal think tank Center for American Progress’ Action Fund, speaking on a call with reporters Wednesday.
[Related: Planned Parenthood launches digital ads urging opposition to Brett Kavanaugh]
Progressive groups Stand Up for America, Advocates for Youth, and the National Women’s Law Center are joining the center and Planned Parenthood Action Fund in unveiling the campaign.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund is also launching a six-figure ad buy to feature the patient stories.
The campaign is the latest move from progressive groups during the August recess. Planned Parenthood and state advocates plan to host more than 80 events this week to pressure senators while they are back in town for recess.
President Trump picked Kavanaugh to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Abortion rights and progressive groups believe that Kavanaugh could side with the court’s conservative wing and roll back abortion rights.
Kavanaugh has been meeting with senators from both parties, most recently scheduling meetings with red-state Democrats. He only needs a majority vote in the Senate for confirmation, and a vote is expected this fall before the midterm elections.
