The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Politics & RKBA => Topic started by: ericire12 on April 10, 2008, 04:44:28 AM
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By Sam Youngman
TheHill.com
If Sen. John McCain expects the support of gun owners in this year’s presidential race, the Arizona Republican must make an effort to overcome some decisions the National Rifle Association (NRA) has found troubling.
“John McCain still has some work to do to give them a comfort level,” Chris Cox, executive director of the NRA, said during an interview with The Hill. “Truth be told, he’s not there yet.”
Cox said McCain and the anti-gun control group have endured some “high-profile disagreements” in the last several years that have left many gun owners concerned about his candidacy.
Specifically, McCain played a leading role in crafting the campaign finance reform law that bears his name and that also enraged many lobbying groups. The NRA was one of the most outspoken.
At the group’s national convention in 2001, NRA President Wayne LaPierre vocalized that dismay.
“Is it possible that John McCain thinks you have too much freedom?” LaPierre asked, before adding: “I don’t know what’s happening to John McCain.”
The Arizona senator also ran afoul of the group when he pushed for tighter restrictions on buying guns at gun shows.
To be sure, McCain has often been a friend on issues dear to the NRA, Cox said. But Cox added that his members intend to scrutinize the candidates’ entire legislative records, and not just the points of agreement.
“We owe it to our members and our supporters to tell the truth about all of [the candidates], and we’re not going to sugarcoat it,” Cox said.
A key question among members that surfaces when Cox travels the country is this: “What’s the deal with John McCain?”
Cox said that members have expressed “a lot of borderline resentment in some circles” over McCain. But because of the outright disdain for both of the Democratic candidates’ past positions on gun control, the NRA is actively seeking a way for McCain to directly address its members and smooth over past troubles.
“He will be asked about gun shows. He will be asked about campaign finance reform,” Cox said. “Can he help himself? Yes. Can he hurt himself? Yes.”
McCain may be on his way to winning these critics over. As the Supreme Court considers the landmark Washington, D.C., gun ban, McCain was one of 55 lawmakers to sign a “friend of the court” amicus brief.
Both Democratic candidates, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) and Barack Obama (Ill.), did not.
Tucker Bounds, a McCain spokesman, said the senator has a strong record on gun owners' rights, which is in "sharp contrast to his potential rivals."
"Senators Obama and Clinton have recklessly supported some of the most controversial attacks on the Second Amendment, and that’s going to make a major difference with voters this fall,” Bounds said.
The NRA expects to spend between $18 million and $20 million this year on campaigns ranging from state legislative races to the presidency. But the group has yet to endorse McCain, and in the absence of an incumbent, likely won’t do so until after the summer conventions.
Additionally, the group is launching an ambitious “seven- or eight-figure” voter registration drive, something it has never done before.
“This is arguably the most important year in NRA history,” Cox said.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/mccain-has-work-to-do-with-gun-owners-nra-2008-04-09.html
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How he answers direct questions AND who he picks as a running mate will weigh heavily.
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How he answers direct questions AND who he picks as a running mate will weigh heavily.
Without question!!!
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Agreed! Who do you think will be his running mate?
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Agreed! Who do you think will be his running mate?
Someone who knows about the military, the economy, the morality of science...oh- they'll also have to know how to operate a defibrillator.
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...oh- they'll also have to know how to operate a defibrillator.
Hilarious... touche!
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I have to admit it- that's a Jay Leno line.
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Lose the defibrillator? :o
Mac.
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Someone who knows how to operate a defibrillator.
I think it would be in the best interest of the nation if that person did NOT know how to work a defibrillator
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But, it would be much more in line with politispeak if he said he knew how to use one and didn't. (http://www.rightnation.us/forums/style_emoticons/default/BlahBlah.gif)
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Agreed! Who do you think will be his running mate?
Two names I've heard are Romney and Rice. Both bad choices in my book. Romney is too lib and Rice is too tied to Bush.
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I think it would be in the best interest of the nation if that person did NOT know how to work a defibrillator
Depends on the VP
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Just sent a check to the RNC with a suggestion they support Hazcat for VP. "After all, I said, he KNOWS what to do in a sandbox!!." HAZCAT for VP!!
Mac.
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Just sent a check to the RNC with a suggestion they support Hazcat for VP. "After all, I said, he KNOWS what to do in a sandbox!!." HAZCAT for VP!!
Mac.
+1! I'll take a minor cabinet position.
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It does not matter what he says to us gun owners... most of us will vote for him anyways... I mean the other choice( rather it be clinton or Obama) will be bad for us.
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Mac, Jaybeth,
I know you guys so I am sure you're only saying that cause you want to make me wear a suit and tie everyday! >:(
;D
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Oh, no Haz! We would want some truth in government by a public office holder. You already know how they should dress to reflect their performance. Either your birthday card Spandex from Marshal'ette, or your Coon huntin' outfit(coon shooting string) would be perfect. ;)
Disclaimer:To those honest politicians who read this forum, or are members, keep up your good work. If there were more of you, this wouldn't be funny. ;D
Mac.
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I think there would be an "issue with carrying" to work. ;D, Haz.
After all, Washington DC is a pretty rough neighborhood since they banned handguns, ( waiting for the ruling).
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Diplomatic Immunity.
Mac.
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Diplomatic Immunity.
Mac.
We know you are diplomatic Mac, So I guess that makes Haz Immune .
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But, it would be much more in line with politispeak if he said he knew how to use one and didn't. (http://www.rightnation.us/forums/style_emoticons/default/BlahBlah.gif)
Exactly.
By the way...I'm thinking, if I have to vote for the "gentleman" (only said out of deference to his service) I think we need to start a clothespin voting brigade. The damn RINO's need to see lots and lots of people at the voting boothes with a clothespin on their nose to get an idea of how they have "upset"us.
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We know you are diplomatic Mac, So I guess that makes Haz Immune .
Or Immature! ;D
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Recently interviewed Washington D.C. tourists report that, while they were impressed with the daily workings of the Senate, they were somewhat surprised at the lingering odor of SARDINES!! A photographer observed that his camera seemed to have attracted cat hair on the lens. The Vice President's Secret Service team leader corrected him, "Actually, it's fur, sir!
Mac.