Bush signs Campaign Reform, NRA Sues

AP/Yahoo ^ | 03/25/02 | SCOTT LINDLAW

[PeteF]

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) - President Bush signed landmark campaign finance legislation Wednesday and the National Rifle Association swiftly filed suit challenging the constitutionality of the new law.

Bush signed the measure in the Oval Office — without the public signing ceremony often staged for major legislation. In a written statement, he said that while the bill has flaws, it "improves the current system of financing for federal campaigns."

Bush then embarked on a two-day swing to South Carolina and Georgia, where he planned to raise more than $3 million for GOP candidates for Congress.

Critics have long argued the legislation violates the Constitution, and the NRA was the first in line to file its challenge at the federal courthouse a few blocks from the White House. The legislation "eviscerates the core protections of the First Amendment by prohibiting, on pain on criminal punishment, political speech," said a legal complaint filed on behalf of the NRA and its political victory fund.

[eureka!]

Good on the NRA. It's about time somebody took this piece of cr*p to court. ;^)

[anniegetyourgun]

They aren't the only ones who were planning this, but they may have been first to court. All others will now pile on.

[Virginia-American]

I lost a bet, I was sure the Libertarians would be first in line.

[aomagrat]

The liberal controled courts will quickly throw this out, while seriously considering the slave reparations lawsuits.

[Howlin]

I would post something, but according to what I've been reading on FR, I just lost my freedom of speech. I suppose FR will be shutting down any minute now. :-)

[Wphile]

Oh GOOD! Another CFR thread....and counting!

McConnell was on this last week.

[TLBSHOW]

and you know who is the loser?

[Howlin]

while seriously considering the slave reparations lawsuits.

Is it just me, or has the dumb beat for this stupid stuff become louder in the last week?

[Howlin]

It's not you; you're still posting, aren't you?

[Rodney King]

No politician who would put me in jail for criticising them will ever get my vote. Ever.

[P8riot]

OK JJ Baker do your $#!t. It's what I'm paying you for. Obviously were not getting what we bargained for in W.

[freeeee]

I was sure the Libertarians would be first in line.

Maybe we were.

[BigTime]

OK, for those loyalists who are saying this legislations is a good thing for Republicans, please explain something to me.

Please explain how this will help in the fall elections. If this will gain us seats, please help me by indicating what the windfall is expected to be.

Next, please help me to understand how these newly acquired seats will help the conservative cause. Please, be specific!

I would offer one tidbit for your digestion: when Bush took control, "we" held both houses and yet we're still the ones that have to compromise our principles in the interest of maintaining power.

I'm sorry, but I don't see how this helps conservatism one iota, even if the phantom gains in the House and Senate come to fruition. Please illuminate me.

[mad puppy]

Why did Bush sign this when he no-doubt knew it would be quickly challenged? What happened to principled leadership?

I understand dealing with the dems on some issues, but this is way off what he presented himself to be. GWB seems to be falling away and that is not good.

[Lumberjack]

Well now, I will just go and sign up for the NRA then (at least for a year). Am GOA right now, usually consider the NRA too left wing and squishy on the issue, but hey, they need the money for the good fight, for once.

Plus, I get one of those neat ball caps that scare my co-workers. :)

[Ragin1]

Their only argument being, "would you rather have gore, or hillary?"

Another fine argument being, "the court will decide"

[onedoug]

Perhaps the President actually views this as an economic stimulus, for lawyers until it's overturned.

[LarryLied]

No politician who would put me in jail for criticising them will ever get my vote. Ever.

Of the thousands of words written on this subject, those sum it up best.

[MassExodus]

Glad to see my NRA dues going to good use.