A newly formed coalition of North Carolina parents is calling attention to Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley’s ties to Harvey West, a convicted sex offender whom Whatley elevated to leadership positions within the North Carolina Republican Party.
The group, Parents Against Whatley, launched this week with more than 60 members across 19 counties. Organizers say the coalition includes Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters concerned about Whatley’s judgment and leadership ahead of the November election.
The coalition’s concerns center on Whatley’s decision to appoint West to influential party roles years after West served six years in prison for sexually abusing three minors. West has acknowledged that Whatley knew about his criminal history when those appointments were made.
Questions about Whatley’s relationship with West have continued to grow in recent weeks, as multiple news outlets have sought answers about his role in elevating West within the state GOP.
The coalition launch also comes amid growing public attention on thewestfiles.com, a website documenting West’s ties to nearly 40 Republican elected officials and candidates across North Carolina.
The coalition argues that leaders who campaign on protecting children and public safety should be judged by the people they choose to elevate and empower behind the scenes.
