5 Threats to New Hampshire if Sununu-Backed Judge Kavanaugh is Confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court

Molly Kelly
Sep 7, 2018 · 5 min read
The day after Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement, Molly made clear that state leadership will be more important that ever with a Trump-nominated justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

As the U.S. Senate conducts hearings this week on the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, it’s clear that his confirmation to our country’s highest court poses significant threats to women, children, and working families who would feel the impact of major decisions on a range of issues across generations. Chris Sununu supports Judge Kavanaugh to be our next Supreme Court Justice, which shows just how out-of-step he is with the people of New Hampshire. Here are five ways in which Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation could harm the people of New Hampshire:

A Threat to Women’s Reproductive Rights

It is impossible to overstate the threat to women’s reproductive rights posed by Judge Kavanaugh. During his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump said he would appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v Wade. We would be foolish to doubt him, and it appears Judge Kavanaugh will help accomplish the President’s goal.

One of my top priorities as Governor, in light of the threat posed by the shifting Supreme Court, would be signing legislation that codifies protections resulting from Roe, stating that “it shall be the public policy of New Hampshire that the state shall not restrict a woman’s exercise of her private decision to terminate a pregnancy.” Further, all women, regardless of income, will continue to have access to a safe, legal abortion when I’m Governor.

A Threat to Public Education

Trump Education Secretary and leading school voucher advocate Betsy DeVos couldn’t have hand-picked a better nominee to the Supreme Court than Judge Kavanaugh, who has signaled support for the constitutionality of school vouchers. This would erode the key tenant of our democracy — public education. Every child deserves access to a quality public education.

But voucher programs, like the one Chris Sununu eagerly seeks to pass, would weaken public education and raise our property taxes. School vouchers are wrong for New Hampshire, but could become a reality if Sununu, DeVos and Kavanaugh get their way. As Governor, I would veto any bill that takes money from public schools to use at private or religious schools.

Molly visits with young girls who are learning about Science, Engineering, Technology and Math (STEM) careers during a summer program at Keene State College.

A Threat to Working People

Judge Kavanaugh has consistently ruled against unions and for corporations, making it harder for workers to organize and earn better wages, benefits and working conditions on the job. With the gap between corporate profits and worker wages growing wider, we cannot afford more decisions, like Janus v. AFSCME, that set back workers even further.

I was honored to earn the endorsement of the Teamsters in this campaign. Working men and women in the Granite State know I will be there for them every day, because I’ve always stood up for them. I was the first candidate to support a $15 minimum wage because the current $7.25 federal minimum is not a livable wage. The minimum wage should also be indexed to inflation.

My Family Economic Security plan lays out policies I support to provide opportunities for everyone in New Hampshire not just to get by, but to thrive. These policies include paid family and medical leave (what Sununu calls a “vacation”), fair scheduling, affordable college, and stronger public schools and higher pay for teachers, among others.

Molly marches with the Teamsters in the Milford Labor Day parade.

A Threat to Health Care

As a judge, Kavanaugh has dissented in two cases pertaining to the Affordable Care Act that indicate he would oppose current protections in that law for people with pre-existing conditions. With the Trump Administration pushing to gut these protections, it’s conceivable that a case could land before a Supreme Court that includes Judge Kavanaugh.

I believe health care is a right for every person. That’s why I voted for Medicaid expansion that now covers 50,000 people in New Hampshire. However, I oppose efforts that make accessing care more difficult, such as the work requirement Chris Sununu pushed for and the Republican-led legislature passed.

Molly rallies for health care outside an event with AG Jeff Sessions in Concord.

Efforts in Washington to remove critical rights and protections made possible by the Affordable Care Act pose a severe threat to the health and well-being of Granite Staters. No one should face bankruptcy due to a medical emergency or be denied health insurance because they have a pre-existing condition. As Governor, I will ensure our health care system works for every Granite Stater.

A Threat to Clean Air and Clean Water

Judge Kavanaugh has been clear that he opposes many of the critical environmental protection measures regarding clean air and climate change, and he’s consistently ruled against the Environmental Protection Agency doing its job. Experts believe he will go even further if he’s confirmed to the Supreme Court, potentially striking down Obama-era regulations that are based on the evidence that climate change poses a major threat to the country and to our planet.

While Chris Sununu doubts the science behind climate change, I will pursue policies that are based on the overwhelming evidence about the threats we face, from rising sea levels on the Seacoast to new challenges for farmers in rural parts of our state.

Molly tours New Hampshire’s largest solar array, in Peterborough.

Climate change is a real threat to our state, and we cannot wait to act to reverse its harmful impacts. Instead, we must protect the health of our people, our wildlife and our natural resources. We must ensure everyone can breathe clean air and drink clean water.

With so much on-the-line, this election is even more important. I will be a leader for our state who protects the rights of women and supports New Hampshire’s children and families every day.

Molly Kelly

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I'm running for governor to build a New Hampshire that works for everyone, not just those at the top. Join my campaign 👇

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