NRA Endorses George W. Bush for President

FAIRFAX, VA -- The National Rifle Association`s Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) has endorsed George W. Bush for President of the United States.

"NRA stands with President George W. Bush on November 2nd," said Wayne LaPierre, NRA executive vice president.  "If you believe in freedom and want to preserve the Second Amendment for future generations, vote to re-elect President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

"In the United States we have a long tradition of hunting and sport shooting," stated LaPierre.  "President Bush and Vice President Cheney both love to hunt and fish.  They know the Constitution gives people the personal right to bear arms.  And, they want to pass the values of our Nation on to a new generation."

NRA Chief Lobbyist Chris W. Cox added, "Four years ago, NRA members went to the polls and stopped Al Gore`s plans to continue the war on America`s gun owners.  But now, we face a greater threat than even the Clinton/Gore Administration posed.  John Kerry and John Edwards are the most anti-gun presidential team in our country`s history. 

"Law-abiding gun owners must understand the importance of the 2004 elections for the Second Amendment," Cox said.  "America has a clear choice; to side with a candidate who has a long record of protecting our gun rights, or with a candidate who has cast more than 50 votes against gun owners and sportsmen."

"The future of our freedom is at stake on November 2.  Join with us, and ask your family, friends and fellow sportsmen to join with us, in voting for a freer and stronger America. Vote to re-elect President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney," concluded LaPierre.

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Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America`s oldest civil rights and sportsmen`s group.  Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime.  The Association remains the nation`s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH`S RECORD OF SUPPORT FOR THE SECOND AMENDMENT

· The Bush Administration stated, "that the text and original intent of the Second Amendment clearly protect the right of individuals to keep and bear firearms," reversing the Clinton Administration position that the Second Amendment only applies to state militias.

· President Bush sent representatives to the United Nations with a clear message: we will not allow the UN to impose international regulations that would violate the Second Amendment and infringe on our sovereignty.

· George W. Bush respects America`s sporting and hunting heritage. His administration signed an agreement with 17 major sportsmen`s organizations to improve hunting and fishing access to Federal lands, and initiated a conservation agenda to protect millions of acres of forest, wetlands and grasslands for future generations of hunters.

· As President, he gave money to prosecute federal gun crimes through Project Safe Neighborhoods and signed a national Right-to-Carry law for law enforcement officers.

· President Bush knows that holding the American firearm industry responsible for the acts of criminals is wrong. That`s why he supported the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act," to prevent frivolous lawsuits against lawful American businesses.

JOHN KERRY`S RECORD AGAINST AMERICA`S SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS

· Since his election to the U.S. Senate in 1984, Kerry has cast more than 50 votes against gun owners.

· Kerry voted in 2004 to ban most center-fire rifle ammunition, including the most common rounds used by deer hunters, siding with Ted Kennedy, and said in a CNN interview, "I think you ought to tax all ammunition, personally, I think you ought to tax guns." ("Late Edition," Nov. 7, 1993)

· Kerry cast numerous votes to ban guns, and currently is a co-sponsor of S. 1431, which bans all semi-automatic shotguns, all semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and many other guns commonly used by sportsmen.

· Kerry voted to effectively shut down gun shows in America; voted to hold firearm manufacturers responsible for the acts of criminals; and voted 11 times to impose waiting periods on law-abiding gun buyers.

· Kerry has a 100% voting record with and earned the endorsement of the Brady Campaign (formerly Handgun Control, Inc)-- a group that says you have no right to own any gun. And, he repeatedly earns the support of PETA and the Humane Society of the United States - groups who openly want to ban all hunting in America.

For more information please visit: http://www.nrapvf.org/Kerry/default.aspx