As a West Virginian, I’ve been lobbying Joe Manchin by telephone, but this week I went to his website and found this invitation to submit constituent views:
The link code is very specific, it says
tell-joe-about-the-supreme-court-of-the-united-states/
Of course, the opinions of West Virginians carry more weight than others, but he is a Senator in service to all. His email frame requires you to show contact info including your state, but that is okay. Please click the link and give him what he asks.
Try to be persuasive, not just angry.
Here’s what I said:
Joe, I oppose the Kavanaugh nomination, and I want you to oppose it in the strongest possible way. West Virginia is said to be a "red" state now but you and I both know that our heritage has been with the Democrats, and defending ordinary people and our beloved state.
Any support you show for Kavanaugh will be very hard for me to accept. This is about the Mueller investigation, about efforts to protect a criminal president. This is not about "Rove v Wade."
I'll look forward to hearing from you this week. Peace.
Here’s what I got in reply moments later:
Hello,
Thank you for sending me your thoughts on the President’s nominee to serve on the Supreme Court, Judge Brett Kavanaugh. As a proud, native West Virginian, I’m not surprised by the overwhelming response I’ve received to my request for comments from my fellow mountaineers. We’re a passionate people, and I am truly humbled by your engagement and enthusiasm. This is exactly how our democracy was designed to work.
As your Senator, I hold few responsibilities more sacred than my constitutional duty to advise and consent on every Presidential nominee to serve on the Supreme Court. I have never and will never immediately oppose or support a Supreme Court nominee to score cheap political points or advance my own career. I have and will continue to give every nominee – whether Democrat or Republican – a fair and thorough examination.
That’s why I will meet with Judge Kavanaugh, attend his judiciary hearings, consult constitutional experts and talk with my fellow West Virginians to get your thoughts and concerns. Due diligence takes time and it would be irresponsible for me to come out one way or the other this early in the process.
I encourage you to remain actively involved in this important debate. My questions to Judge Kavanaugh will be based on the concerns I hear from people like you, and I appreciate the time you took to share your perspective with me.
If I or my office may be of additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you,
Senator Joe Manchin
This link has probably been there for a while, but I don’t know whether progressives across the country have taken the opportunity to weigh in. Now is the time!
I think the vote is set for Thursday.