Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who is running in a competitive race for re-election in a very red state, is calling on voters to “send thoughts” on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Manchin is undecided on President Trump’s high court pick. He voted to confirm Justice Neil Gorsuch last year and many believe he’s likely to be among a handful of red state Democrats to back Kavanaugh as well.
[More: Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on the major issues]
West Virginia voted in favor of President Trump by a whopping 42-point margin over Hillary Clinton.
“I take my responsibility to advise and consent on a nominee to the Supreme Court very seriously,” Manchin said in a statement Monday. As I did when Merrick Garland and Neil Gorsuch were nominated, I am evaluating Judge Kavanaugh’s record, legal qualifications, judicial philosophy and particularly, his views on healthcare. I encourage West Virginians to review his qualifications themselves and share their thoughts and concerns with me.”
Manchin, the state’s popular former governor, said he is focused on Kavanaugh’s views on Obamacare’s coverage mandates, which include pre-existing conditions.
Manchin told reporters recently that about 40 percent of West Virginians would lose health coverage if the Supreme Court ever overturns that coverage requirement.
Many predict a lower court case challenging the coverage requirement will end up at the Supreme Court.
