nvcdl just happens to be the founding president of the now VCDL. I would say that he knows Philip VanCleave pretty well. While I am disappointed with Jerry Kilgore's attitude toward the VCDL, I still intend to vote for him. I am not of the mindset to throw away my vote.
On the other hand, I do not think that it is correct to assume that the VCDL members (I am one) are jealous that the NRA got noticed and we didn't. I believe the NRA (I am a Life Member) has been quietly attempting to marginalize the VCDL for several years now. The NRA opposed the VCDL on Airport and Restaurant carry, and is willing to accept restrictions on our Second Ammendment Rights that the VCDL is not. While the NRA is active nationally, and is selectively effective on national gun legislation, only when they have to be (their recent lawsuit against the state of Louisianna was the result of pressure by the membership), the VCDL is proactive in trying to restore the local and statewide recognition of those rights.
The VCDL has helped to author most, if not all, of the pro-gun legislation that has been through the GA for the last 11 years. We are also attempting to restore recognition of the Second Ammendment rights of all Americans when it comes to carrying weapons in our National Parks. Every state gun-rights organization in America looks to the VCDL as the model for grassroots pro-gun activism, and most have attempted to emulate us, and their successes are are beginning to be evident. If anything the NRA is jealous of VCDL's successes and is attempting to marginalize us to ensure their own survival. People nationwide are beginning to come to the realization that the NRA is nothing more than a fund raising organization that in many cases just gives lip service or tokenism to state level gun legislation. As a result the organization's roles have shrunk from near 5 million in 2001 to near 4 million today.
From the article:
"Philip is more than just a little bit credible," said Steve Clifford, a car dealer from Woodbridge, Va. "The NRA really hasn't done half of the things in Virginia that Philip Van Cleave has. He walks the halls in Richmond and actually gets stuff done. That makes him more than credible on the state and local issues."
I'm not dissing you, nvcdl, Van Cleave or anyone associated with VCDL.
But for cryin' outloud, the latest poll shows this race neck and neck, we are 31 days out and I really want to know what in heaven's name makes anyone think this discussion is productive???
I'm sorry Kilgore didn't answer the survey. But he doesn't answer to me. And I'm sorry he doesn't answer to the VCDL either. But those are the facts.
The bottom line remains that there are people (on this very thread) who say they won't vote for Kilgore because of this. That's just sheer stupidity. And narrow-minded single issue voters like that drive me nutz.
This race is about more than Virginia. It has national implications. We know New Jersey goes to the RATS. It's pretty important to the GOP that we win this thing. And it has implications for next year as well. Allen's White House plans aside, we can't afford to lose that Senate seat. And it's about stopping Warner's momentum. Because, as much as we don't like it, he's got it.
This race is bigger than the VCDL and the NRA.
But, regardless of the survey, there is one candidate who shares most, if not all, of the values of the VCDL. And that's Jerry Kilgore.
And that's ALL I'm gonna say on this issue. Any further replies to me will be directed right back here.