2018 West Virginia US Senate Voters Guide

Joe Manchin (D) vs Patrick Morrisey (R)

US Senate | Election | Nov 6, 2018

The Candidates

Joe Manchin

Joe Manchin

Democrat

Incumbent
Patrick Morrisey

Patrick Morrisey

Republican

The Issues

Abortion

Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Joe Manchin (D)

Mostly ban. Lifelong abortion opponent, but recognizes that Americans are divided on this. Voted for bill prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks & opposes any public funding.

Campaign Finance

Require political ads to disclose largest funders? Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?

Joe Manchin (D)

Yes, disclose funders. No, on Citizen’s United. Says the decision has “destroyed this country.”

Patrick Morrisey (R)

Unknown.

Contraception

Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?

Patrick Morrisey (R)

Yes. Strong advocate for religious liberty.

Economy

Support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?

Patrick Morrisey (R)

Yes. Supports infrastructure investment.

Support President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel & other products?

Joe Manchin (D)

Yes. Supports the tariffs 100%. Historically, trade deals have not been good for WV.

Education

Provide vouchers to parents to send their children to private schools with public money?

Supported West Virginia teacher’s strike?

Gay Rights

Support gay marriage?

Joe Manchin (D)

Opposes personally, but accepts as settled law.

Patrick Morrisey (R)

No. “Disappointed” with legalization.

Guns

Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?

Health Care

Support or Repeal Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as Obamacare?

Allow Planned Parenthood to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?

Joe Manchin (D)

Yes. No abortion funding, but committed to “helping women get vital health services, like cancer screenings & preventive care.”

Should the Federal government support miners’ pensions & health care when companies go bankrupt?

Patrick Morrisey (R)

No statement found.

Immigration

Support DREAM Act (DACA), allowing “Dreamers” who arrived illegally as children, to achieve legal status if meet certain conditions?

Iran

Support Trump’s withdrawal from treaty limiting Iran’s nuclear capability?

Joe Manchin (D)

Yes.

Patrick Morrisey (R)

Yes.

Minimum Wage

Raise the federal minimum wage?

Patrick Morrisey (R)

Unknown.

Net Neutrality

Require internet providers to provide equal access to all users?

Patrick Morrisey (R)

Took no stand after Democratic legislators requested he support net neutrality.

President Trump

Response to President Trump’s actions & policies?

Privatization

Support full or partial privatization of Social Security?

Student Debt & Financial Aid

Refinance existing student loans if lower rates exist? Support income-contingent loan repayment? Support & expand Pell Grants?

Other senate candidates include Rusty Hollen (Libertarian). Due to limited space, we can only include candidates who poll 15% or higher, but encourage you to check out his website.

Key sites consulted included Votesmart.org, OntheIssues.org, FactCheck.org, Politifact.com, & public candidate statements. For guides to local races, see Vote411.org from the League of Women Voters & Ballotready.org.