Posted on 07/26/2004 5:06:35 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan
Lawmaker Produces for NRA
7/22/2004
Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas) is getting the attention of gun-control advocates as his sponsorship of pro-gun bills increases, the Wichita Eagle reported July 19.
"Tiahrt hasn't been a name on the radar screen, but he's moved right up there," said Jon Vernick, a director of the Center for Gun Policy and Research at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.
Recently, Tiahrt introduced an amendment that could thwart New York City's lawsuit against gun makers by blocking access to federal gun data. "I'm trying to contain nuisance lawsuits," he said. "The whole lawsuit precedent is very dangerous. If it works against firearms manufacturers, car manufacturers can be next. Anti-gun groups want to use this data for their own selfish interests. It's the wrong track for a free-market system."
A member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Tiahrt has also sponsored an amendment to protect gun dealers from mandatory physical inventories of weapons by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The measure passed as part of a larger spending bill last year.
Tiahrt said his actions in support of gun rights are being overblown. He contends that the measures were common-sense efforts to protect both freedom and police.
Peter Hamm, spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, disagrees. "The congressman really ought to be ashamed of himself," he said. "The NRA must sit back and say, 'It's amazing to see how this guy does our bidding.'"
The NRA was Tiahrt's biggest contributor for his successful 1994 U.S. House race. Since then, the NRA has remained the congressman's top donor. According to federal election records, the NRA has contributed $53,550 in political-action committee contributions to Tiahrt in the last decade.
Tiahrt is a real American.
He's a great guy. The leftist Wichita Eagle trashes him constantly, since he beat their chosen RAT, Dan Glickman.
I have sad news and apparently the word hasn't spread.
Luke, Rep. Todd Tiahrt's 16-year old son apparently committed suicide and was found dead, Saturday Morning in their Fairfax home.
Rep. Tiahrt lives a block away from me and we go to the same Church. I couldn't believe my ears at the announcement on Sunday Morning.
A Candlelight vigil for the Tiahrt family was held by a neighbor across the street at 7 PM last night.
God bless Luke's soul and hold his family close in this very puzzling and hurtufl time.
Here's what I fould online:
Funeral set for son of U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt
The funeral for Luke Tiahrt, the 16-year-old son of U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Westlink Christian Church, 2001 N. Maize Road. A private family burial will be held in Driftwood, Okla.
Tiahrt was found dead in the family's Fairfax, Va. home on Saturday. He apparently committed suicide, according to the Rep. Tiahrt's office.
A memorial for teens has been established in Luke Tiahrt's name at Intrust Bank.
"Tiahrt is a real American."
He is my Rep. Looks like he is working for my vote again. He will get it.
U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt's youngest son, Luke, was found dead Saturday morning in the family's Fairfax, Va., home.
Tiahrt's spokesman Chuck Knapp said 16-year-old Luke apparently committed suicide.
Officers were called to the Tiahrt house around 4:30 a.m. No foul play is suspected, said Fairfax County Police spokeswoman Mary Mulrenan.
A medical examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death, Mulrenan said.
Luke Tiahrt would have been a junior in high school this fall. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Todd Tiahrt is a Republican from Goddard who represents the 4th District in Congress.
The Tiahrt family is asking for privacy and prayers.
Condolences can be sent by e-mail to Tiahrtcondolences@mail.house.gov or by regular mail to the congressman's Wichita office, 155 North Market, Suite 400, Wichita, Kan., 67202.
For more information, see Sunday's Wichita Eagle.
God bless this lovely family. I'm at a loss for words.
Josh Sugarman can Shove It.
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