Posted on 11/30/2002 3:12:15 PM PST by vannrox
In Pennsylvania, the state with the highest number of NRA members per capita, voters overwhelmingly elected Ed Rendell governor over gun lobby extremist Mike Fisher. Mr. Rendell, who repeatedly called for common-sense gun measures such as one-handgun- per-month limits on gun trafficking and standards for trigger locks, won despite the NRA's well-funded attempts to defeat him through an attack-advertising blitz and a significant "get-out-the-vote" campaign.
"The key swing voters both parties are competing for - women, independents and minority voters - consistently prioritize gun violence prevention as a pivotal issue," continued Barnes. "Some candidates and campaign strategists have failed to recognize that they need to draw clear distinctions on issues like gun violence that resonate with urban and suburban voters. Many candidates either did not talk about guns at all, or they sought to blur differences rather than highlight them. This strategy utterly failed. In the next election cycle, candidates would do well to remember the importance of urban and suburban voters to winning elections and they must understand that Americans value sensible gun laws and will support candidates who pursue them."
In Arkansas, Mark Pryor (D) defeated incumbent U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson who is "A" -rated by the (NRA). Pryor expressed support for the Brady Law and states his intent to vote to renew the assault weapon ban. The NRA and Hutchinson launched an all- out effort to portray Pryor's support for sensible gun laws as out-of-step with Arkansans, but the strategy backfired. Ultimately, voters - including gun owners - rejected the extreme rhetoric of the gun lobby and elected a candidate who agreed with the Brady Campaign platform that law-abiding citizens should be able to keep and buy firearms, but sensible gun laws prevent gun violence and help law enforcement stop gun crime.
In Illinois, Rod Blagojevich openly supported and campaigned for strong, sensible gun laws and won the Governorship even though the gun lobby waged an all out effort to defeat him. Rahm Emanuel, a champion of sensible gun laws, was elected to the House of Representatives.
In Arizona, a state that is traditionally dominated by the NRA, Raul Grijalva ran a campaign touting his support for sensible gun laws and won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In New Jersey, Frank Lautenberg made stronger gun laws the centerpiece of his campaign and easily defeated Doug Forrester in his bid for the U.S. Senate. Lautenberg's first major press event was on the need for stronger gun laws and the Democratic party ran TV ads highlighting the gun issue.
In California, Governor Gray Davis defeated Bill Simon who was endorsed by the NRA and other members of the extremist gun lobby. Davis touted his support for strong gun laws at the beginning of his TV commercials and emphasized the issue in his debate with Simon. Dennis Cardoza defeated Dick Monteith, the NRA's "A"-rated candidate, in his bid for the open seat vacated by Gary Condit.
In Maryland, The gun issue was a winner in this race. Governor-elect Bob Ehrlich reversed his positions on guns mid-campaign and ran TV ads pledging his strong support for sensible gun laws. Ehrlich could not have won this election without embracing the center and promising to uphold Maryland's strong gun laws. Maryland voters will not tolerate any attempts to repeal such laws.
In Michigan, Jennifer Granholm won the governorship despite an aggressive campaign by the NRA to defeat her.
In Wisconsin, Jim Doyle won the governorship by defeating incumbent Scott McCallum the NRA's "A"-rated, endorsed candidate. Jim Doyle actively supported strong criminal background checks and pledged to veto the NRA's top priority - forcing police to let almost anyone carry hidden handguns in public.
In Kansas, Governor Kathleen Sebelius defeated Tim Shallenburger although Charlton Heston made a special trip to Kansas to endorse him. Sebelius pledged to veto the NRA's top priority - forcing police to let almost anyone carry hidden handguns in public. Shallenburger was the sponsor of the NRA's bill to force police to let people carry concealed handguns. (Shallenburger's bill was vetoed by GOP Gov. Bill Graves.)
For more information on Election 2002, please go to www.bradycampaign.org.
Illinois is not a good example. (Gov) George Ryan so poisoned the political climate that a bottle of Chlorox could have beaten Jim Ryan.
I rest my case, but conservatives now need to hold the pubbies feet to the fire on this issue. ROLL BACK GUN LAWS.
"Dear Sarah Brady:
When will you stop lying?"
Itch! Forcing police; what a laugh. Police don't make laws, but these commies would like more people to think they do. They'd also love for people to believe what the chiefs think, which is mostly authoritarian rubbish!
It's okay Mr. Salesperson, that one-handgun-per month is a limit ON gun trafficking. I'm just an honest citizen looking to buy a couple guns to protect me and my family. I haven't even left the state in three years.
What do you mean no?
Remember, the electorate is that fragment of the population that actually votes. The group that has enough time to talk to the polsters is not the same thing as the electorate.
Gun laws had nothing to do with "Comrade Grijalva" winning, he ran in a new district, drawn up so that no one but a liberal democrat could win.
Best regards,
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