ORTL Revokes Endorsement of State Representative Nathan Manning
Second Legislator Loses Endorsement Following Vote Against De-funding Planned Parenthood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Katherine Franklin
DATE: Thursday, December 10, 2015 PHONE: 614-547-0099 ext. 304
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Today, Ohio Right to Life informed State Representative Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) of the revocation of his endorsement by the Ohio Right to Life Political Action Committee. The Ohio Right to Life Board of Trustees made this decision following the representative’s vote against the de-funding of Planned Parenthood (H.B. 294) on November 17.
“It’s no secret that de-funding Planned Parenthood has been a top priority for Ohio Right to Life for many years,” said Marshal Pitchford, Chairman of the Ohio Right to Life Board of Trustees. “After watching our year-long push to de-fund Planned Parenthood and witnessing statewide leaders speak out on the disturbing Planned Parenthood videos, the Ohio General Assembly has been well-aware of the growing magnitude of this issue. We cannot in good conscience endorse a candidate who goes back on his word and votes in favor of the country’s largest abortion provider.”
This is the second time Ohio Right to Life has revoked its endorsement based on a member’s vote on de-funding Planned Parenthood. In November, the organization revoked their endorsement of State Senator Cecil Thomas, who voted against the Senate version of the legislation (S.B. 214) and the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S.B. 127). In 2014, the Ohio Right to Life PAC endorsed Representative Manning based on his candidate survey. When asked if he opposed state funding of abortion-providing organizations such as Planned Parenthood, he answered affirmatively.
“Although we celebrate the passage of H.B. 294, our organization deeply regrets another betrayal of our endorsement,” said Pitchford. “When over 21,000 babies are aborted in a year in the state of Ohio, we need every legislator helping us find solutions to this tragedy. Representative Manning isn’t just accountable to the Ohio Right to Life endorsement; just like the rest of us, he’s accountable to the voices of children who have none.”
To read Ohio Right to Life’s letter to State Representative Nathan Manning, click here.