For the last six years, North Carolina Republican judicial candidates have flocked east to an annual picnic to raise “big $$” at the home of a convicted child sex predator. Recent reporting detailed how Harvey L. West had “established himself as a fundraiser in a newly created space” by “seizing an opportunity to influence judicial candidates who are unaccustomed to raising money to campaign”.

As a result of his fundraising efforts, NCGOP leadership has continuously elevated West to leadership positions within the party. He even currently holds a position on their State Plan Of Organization committee. Justices and candidates like Paul Newby, Phil Berger Jr, and Sarah Stevens have all been photographed at this event.

Anderson Clayton, the chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following statement and challenge for those Supreme Court Justices that accepted funds from this event.

“We can’t trust our Supreme Court justices to keep our children safe if they’re kissing the ring of a known child predator in exchange for campaign contributions. Hosting a big annual fundraiser for Republican court candidates at the home of a convicted child sex predator shows that Republicans will always put their wealthy donors above our kids. At the very least, the justices that raised money with Harvey West should immediately donate those funds to an organization committed to stopping child trafficking and exploitation.”