I have just returned home from a big Republican Team Leader Training session that was hosted by the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County but run by the RNC. I was able to put a letter featuring a cut and paste set of quotes from the BANG LIST here on FR into the hands of the RNC chairman's right hand guy for "grassroots activism." I spent several minutes talking to him about the results of the 2000 election and he had to agree that GUN OWNER activism was a major driving force of the election victory and could be a real hinderance to re-election if they perceive they've been "backstabbed."
Gunowners have long memories and they do not forgive easily. Gunowners also make up a sizeable portion of BOTH parties. So a lot of Dems voted their guns last time and might do so again....or maybe not depending on the messages that are sent to them by the Republicans.
I also signed up to work on the campaign of the Republican candidate for Miami-Dade State Attorney. A female, jewish former judge with 11 years experience on the bench, who has actually drawn a firearm to save her life as a private citizen. She is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do karate and volunteered to serve in the Israeli Army during the first Gulf War while she was over there. This is one dynamic lady that deserves our support.
Her name is LESLIE ROTHENBERG
REMEMER IN NOVEMBER
I read several other gun forums, and here's how it's looking for Bush.
About 25% are going to vote against him (not for Kerry, but third party).
25% are going to vote for him.
And 50% are going to base their vote on what happens with the AWB.
Keep in mind that in 2000, nearly 100% of these guys voted for Bush. Many supported him financially and volunteered for his campaign.
The fact that he's already lost 25% of them doesn't bode well for his re-election effort.
If he loses another 50%, he will lose big time in November.
My GUESS is that this will die in conference committee if the amendments are attached, BUT I am not taking it for granted.