States with updates this issue: Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Vermont, and West Virginia.
NEW BRADY CENTER PRESIDENT TO TAKE THE HELM-KE
“Transition” seems like a good word to describe the Brady Bunch’s trials and tribulations over the past few years. First, based upon focus group polls, the group changed its moniker from Handgun Control, Inc., to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. That change in semantics didn’t achieve the desired results. Then, it was hiring former Maryland Democratic U.S. Representative Mike Barnes as its President. Again, a big flop, as since the Barnes’s tenure began in 2000, the group suffered a series of legislative and political losses. Perhaps, the third time’s a charm for the group that is still struggling to maintain some semblance of relevance.
This week, it was announced that, effective July 1, former Ft. Wayne, Ind. Mayor, Republican Paul Helmke, would replace Barnes as the group’s president. This is a rather transparent attempt to appear “mainstream,” as the Brady press releases played up Helmke’s Republican affiliation. With more than 90 percent of the Brady Center’s campaign contributions going to Democrats, you might wonder at the apparent shift, but all that’s really relevant for gun owners is that as a political candidate Helmke received “F”-grades from the NRA-PVF. If you wonder why Helmke would leave Indiana for the mean streets of “gun free” Washington, D.C., just consider Helmke’s 2002 Republican primary challenge to Representative Mark Souder (himself a champion of gun rights and the sponsor of H.R. 1288--legislation to repeal the D.C. gun ban). Souder won in a landslide, proving that Helmke’s anti-gun views weren’t nearly “mainstream” enough for the folks back at home.
An anti-gunner by any other party affiliation is still an anti-gunner. With the hiring of an anti-gun Republican to steer its ship, the Brady Bunch has made clear that the only litmus test one must pass to be a member of the team is unfailing support for more gun control. And on this front Helmke passes with flying colors.
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
There are a number of pro-gun bills pending in Congress that require your action. Please review these legislative initiatives and be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, and your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and urge him or her to cosponsor and support these measures. Additional contact information can be found using the “Write Your Representatives” feature at www.NRAILA.org.
• H.R. 5092-This bill would improve BATFE’s process for punishing FFLs and establish guidelines for BATFE investigations. This bill was drafted in large part to address recent BATFE abuses at Richmond, Va.-area gun shows highlighted in hearings before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommitee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.
• S. 2599/H.R. 5013-Legislation to prohibit the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms during states of emergency. Would guarantee legal recourse for victims of illegal gun seizures.
• H.R. 1384-This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968.
•S. 1082/H.R. 1288-Legislation to repeal the draconian D.C. gun ban and restore the right of lawful District residents to own firearms to defend themselves and their families.
• H.R. 4547-Federal legislation requiring recognition of out-of-state Right-to-Carry permits.
• H.R. 5005-This measure will codify congressional policies, roll back restrictions, and correct errors in federal firearm laws.
Again, please contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. For additional information on these bills, please visit www.NRAILA.org.
NRA-ILA “MIX N’ MINGLES”
Much is at stake in this year’s elections; we will decide if we continue to move ahead on the path of pro-gun reform, or, if we will revert to the dark Clinton-Gore years. In order to ensure continued success for the Second Amendment, we must elect pro-gun lawmakers to office this election season.
To ensure victory for our pro-gun candidates this election year, NRA-ILA will be hosting FREE NRA-ILA “Mix N’ Mingles” across the country. These events will provide NRA members with training on what they can do locally to propel candidates to victory this election season. The meetings also provide attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with lawmakers, candidates, and their staffs; NRA-ILA Headquarters staff; and fellow area NRA members--and to earn FREE NRA fraternal items such as hats, pocketknives, buttons, etc. “Mix N’ Mingles,” including materials, food, beverages, and NRA items, are FREE!
Mix N’ Mingle events are scheduled for:
- Eau Claire, WI -- 05/23/06
- Ashland, WI -- 05/24/06
- Jackson, MS -- 06/03/06
- Wallkill, NY -- 06/10/06
NRA members who have access to the Internet can go to www.nraila.org/workshops/ to reserve their seats on-line. NRA members are encouraged to check this website address frequently to see if any upcoming “Mix N’ Mingles” are scheduled in their area. NRA members may also contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) for details and to reserve their seats.
SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE SIGNS
It has been estimated that well-placed campaign signs can account for four percentage points on Election Day. Think back to the 2000 presidential election, where 537 votes in Florida separated George W. Bush from Al Gore, and four points seems like a landslide! While you are focused like a laser beam on the November 7 election, some gun owners may not be aware of what’s at stake for the future of the Second Amendment on Election Day.
To help us raise gun owner awareness of the impending election, and to market NRA’s campaign efforts, we have produced two colorful, patriotic campaign yard signs featuring our “I’m the NRA & I Vote” and “Vote Freedom First!” slogans. These high quality signs are bold, durable, and easy to assemble. Everything needed to assemble the sign is contained in one compact package, and all components made in the USA.
Each sign costs a very reasonable $14.95, or you can order a combination pack of both signs for $24.95 (includes shipping and handling). A portion of the proceeds goes directly to NRA-ILA to assist our efforts to protect, preserve, and strengthen our Second Amendment rights!
By proudly displaying your NRA yard sign, and showing your support for the Second Amendment, you will greatly enhance our ability to deliver victory for pro-gun candidates on November 7!
Please call (866) 869-6389 or visit www.nrailasigns.org to order your NRA yard signs TODAY!
A LOOK AT THE STATES
(***For all of the action items below, you can find contact information for your legislators by using the “Write Your Representatives” tool at www.NRAILA.org. As always, thank you for your support.***)
States with updates this issue: Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Vermont, and West Virginia.
CONNECTICUT
Even though proponents made attempts to revive the “Lost or Stolen” firearms bill after last Friday’s 79-66 defeat on the floor of the House of Representatives, law-abiding gun owners prevailed when lawmakers refused to reconsider the legislation before adjourning the legislative session at midnight on Wednesday. The legislation sought to make it a crime to fail to report the loss or theft of a firearm within 72 hours from when you “knew or should have known” of the loss or theft, and included language subjecting gun owners to criminal investigation. The anti-gunners have promised they will bring this legislation back next year for the fourth year in a row, so it is important when talking to your lawmakers during this campaign season you continue to urge them to oppose such legislation when they meet in 2007. Also, please take a moment to look at how your legislator voted by clicking on the following links, and then call your lawmakers to express your thanks, or to politely express your disappointment. For the Senate roll call please visit http://cga.ct.gov/2006/VOTE/S/2006SV-00201-R00SB00105-SV.htm and for the House roll call please visit http://cga.ct.gov/2006/VOTE/H/2006HV-00211-R00SB00105-HV.htm. The general phone number for the Senate is (860) 240-0500, and for the House of Representatives is (860) 240-0400.
FLORIDA
HB 129, NRA-backed legislation sponsored by Representative Dennis Baxley (R-24), passed the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, May 4. The bill protects your right to have a firearm locked in your vehicle for lawful purposes, and to park your vehicle in parking lots to conduct normal business. HB 129 will now be considered by the full House. Please contact your State Representative at (850) 488-1157, and respectfully ask for his or her support of HB 129. Also this week, several pieces of pro-gun legislation passed by the Florida Legislature. HB 285, sponsored by Representative Mitch Needelman (R-31), would prevent the confiscation of firearms that are lawfully possessed, unless a person is engaged in a criminal act during a declared state of emergency. HB 265, “No-Net Loss” legislation sponsored by Representative Don Brown (R-05), requires the Florida Wildlife and Conservation Commission to find replacement hunting lands for any public hunting lands that are closed in the future so the number of hunting acres does not fall below the current level. SB 1290, sponsored by Senator Mike Fasano (R-11), assures Right-to-Carry permits of U.S. armed services members on active duty will not expire while they are serving on military orders that have taken them away from home. HB 1029, sponsored by Representative Dennis Baxley (R-24), allows firearms in state parks/national forests and stipulates that firearms shall at all times be in the possession of a responsible party or properly secured within, or to, a vehicle or temporary housing (motor homes, travel trailers, recreational vehicles, campers, tents, or other enclosed structures), while in state parks. HB 285, HB 265, SB 1290, and HB 1029 will join HB 125, NRA-backed “Hunter-Voter” legislation sponsored by Representative Greg Evers (R-01), on the desk of Governor
Jeb Bush (R).
KENTUCKY
Primary election day is Tuesday, May 16. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. For more information about voting, please visit http://elect.ky.gov/registrationinfo/. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 16!
MICHIGAN
NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator Jerry Kraus (MI-9) would like to invite you to attend the "Michigan Celebrity Shoot" that is being organized by the Oakland County Friends of the NRA. Celebrities that attended last year included Dennis Hextal of the Detroit Red Wings; Mickey Lolitch of the Detroit Tigers; Senator Nancy Cassis (R-Mich.-15); Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, who is running against Senator Debbie Stabenow for the Senate; among others! Jerry has coordinated several events and participated in several Celebrity Shoots in the past, and this year's event promises to be a success. So come on out and join your fellow shotgun shooters and celebrities for a day of shooting, while raising money for the Friends of the NRA! The event will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m., at the Detroit Gun Club, 2775 Oakley Park Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390. Admission prices vary and advance tickets are required. For ticket information and additional information, please contact Jerry Kraus by phone at (248) 706-1513 or by e-mail at [email protected]
NEBRASKA
Primary election day is Tuesday, May 9. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For more information about voting visit http://www.sos.state.ne.us/elec/voter_info.html. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 9!
NEW YORK
The anti-gun crowd held a rally this week at the capital, along with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, renewing their calls for the Senate to take action on Speaker Silver’s anti-gun laundry list. The nine-bill package, which passed the Assembly in January, includes A 673A, creating crimes of failure to store a weapon “safely” and negligent storage; A 2302, prohibiting the retail sale of a handgun that does not contain a “child proofing” or integrated safety device; and A 4471, banning the sale, use, and possession of .50 caliber firearms. Also included are A 2837, outlawing many types of ammunition commonly used on shooting ranges and for safety and training purposes; A 2466A, drastically expands the state’s ban on so-called assault weapons; and A 9280, imposing criminal penalties and legal liability on legitimate licensed firearm dealers for any criminal activity that occurs after the retailer has sold the firearm to a qualified buyer and would further require the retailer obtain exorbitant insurance policies to pay for the actions of criminals. This bill would also require retailers to place all firearms in fireproof safes or vaults during non-business hours. Please contact your State Senator TODAY at (518) 455-2800 and urge him or her to oppose these measures. REMINDER: The Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range is in jeopardy of being closed by the persistence and pressure of anti-gun members of the Brookhaven Town Board. It is critical to show up in large numbers at the next Brookhaven Town meeting and make strong positive arguments for reopening the range. The next meeting of the Brookhaven Town Board is: Tuesday, May 16, at One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley at the above address or via phone at (631) 451-9100 and fax (631) 451-6677. You should plan to arrive by 5:00 p.m. and sign-up to speak on the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range issue. You simply need to state your name and that you are a supporter of reopening the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range as soon as possible. In over 50 years of operation not a single accident has occurred on this facility. Juniors and others learning the safe and responsible handling of firearms use the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range. If the range is closed, it leaves those interested in understanding the proper, safe, and responsible usage of firearms no place to go. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for May 16. In addition, please make plans to join the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA), NRA-ILA Headquarters staff, and your fellow NRA members, for a couple hours of socializing and protecting freedom at the upcoming FREE NRA-ILA Mix N' Mingle in Wallkill, NY, on Saturday, June 10. This NRA-ILA Grassroots “Mix N’ Mingle” will be held in conjunction with the NYSRPA's Annual Meeting. To reserve your spot at the Mix N' Mingle, please call (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.nraila.org/workshops. To register for the NYSRPA Annual Meeting, you will also need to call (800) 469-7772, or e-mail: [email protected]
OKLAHOMA
Last week the Senate passed HB 2615, the “Stand your Ground” legislation, by a vote of 39-5, sending HB 2615 back to the House for concurrence. On May 4, the House concurred by a vote of 83 to 4. This critical legislation, sponsored by Representative Kevin Calvey (R-94), recognizes the citizens of Oklahoma have the right to expect absolute safety in a place they have a right to be. HB 2615 now heads to Governor Brad Henry (D) for his expected signature. Please call Governor Henry at (405) 521-2342 and respectfully ask him to sign HB 2615.
OREGON
Vote by mail ballots for the May 16 Primary Election have been mailed. If you need help filling out your ballot or haven’t received your ballot please visit www.sos.state.or.us/elections/vbm/vbm_guide.pdf. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Don’t forget to return your ballot to your local election office by 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday May 16 - postmarks do not count!
VERMONT
Today, House Bill 447 passed the House by a vote of 126 to 7 (despite Representative David Deen (D-Windham-5) trying to add an amendment to weaken the bill), and unanimously passed the Senate by a vote of 28-0. H. 447 now heads to Governor James Douglas (R) for his signature. This important piece of legislation, sponsored by Representative Joseph Krawczyk (R-Bennington-2-1) and Representative Mary Morrissey (R-Bennington-2-2), will protect Vermont’s shooting ranges from lawsuits and municipal ordinances that would shut them down. Thanks to your calls, Vermont’s hunting and shooting heritage will be able to continue for years to come! Please call Governor Douglas today at (802) 828-3333 and respectfully ask him to sign H.447 into law.
WEST VIRGINIA
Early in-person voting ends tomorrow, May 6, for the 2006 Primary elections to be held Tuesday, May 9. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. Early in-person voting will be held in designated areas within your County Courthouse. For more information about early in-person voting please to go the following website www.wvsos.com/elections/voters/absenteemethods.htm. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 9!
