Suffolk City Council to Consider Rifle Regulations

The City of Suffolk has an item on its September 2nd agenda related to banning the discharge of a rifle in parts of the city. For those not familiar with Suffolk, it bills itself as "The Largest City in Virginia." It includes large rural areas however so we are not talking about discharging a rifle in a city like Richmond, Newport News, or Norfolk. You have the downtown area which most people would consider a "City" than there are large areas outlying the downtown area which are rural.

No other details are known at this time. If you live in Suffolk, please attend the City Council Meeting on Wednesday night. You can find the agenda here. The meeting starts at 7 PM. The City Council room is located on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building at 441 Market Street.

Hat tip to VA-Alert

Light Posting for Coming Week

This evening starts the annual family vacation so posting will be light in the coming week.

Norton Calls for Ban on Guns Near Obama

The Hill newspaper reported late yesterday afternoon that Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) called on the Homeland Security Department and the U.S. Secret Service to provide tighter restrictions on citizens carrying weapons, openly or concealed, while in the vicinity of President Barack Obama.

It is clear that if the Secret Service can temporarily clear all aircraft from air space when the president is in the vicinity, the agency has the authority to clear guns on the ground that are even closer to the President.

For their part, the Secret Service has maintained that the President was never in danger at anytime during the various events where protesters showed up carrying firearms. Secret Service spokesman Malcolm Wiley respond to Norton’s request:

In both instances, those guys were outside of the outer-most perimeter of security, so what would apply is state law. They never had any proximity to the president at any time. They weren’t trying to gain access to the event and they weren’t in a position outside the event where they could have affected the president.

That isn't stopping the anti-rights crowd from trying to use these events to push their agenda.

Brady Campaign, a gun control group, said that these increasing instances of brandishing firearms in public could lead to escalated scenarios in the future that put the president at risk because it stretches law enforcement thin.

Just more fuel on the fire as to why overt public displays may end up causing us to expend energy that could be directed in more productive activities.

Comments by Second Amendment scholar Dave Kopel posted by Sebastian earlier today says as much:

“This is really a form of expressive speech, and I think the fact that the Secret Service … hasn’t gotten particularly upset shows good judgement on their part,” he says.

Still, the man didn’t necessarily do the Second Amendment cause any favors, Kopel says.

“While I think it’s really paranoid for some of the media to falsely characterize this as people trying to threaten the president, I think it shows bad judgement to carry [guns] near a presidential speech,” he says. Protesters are “trying to make a statement about Second Amendment rights, but they’re doing it in a way that probably sets back that cause.”

Hat tip to Sebastian.

Stephen Stromberg, NRA, and Armed Protestors

Well, Stephen Stromberg of the Washington Post's "Post Partisan" blog has weighed in on the armed citizens showing up at presidential events and he thinks the NRA needs to tell the armed masses to cease and desist.

If the NRA were to take that commitment seriously, why wouldn’t the organization loudly discourage gun owners from, say, bringing loaded weapons to a presidential town hall, as several did recently? Or from threatening the president while wearing a packed leg holster?

I don't recall any of these people "threatening" the president.

Stromberg also is not pleased that Obama's official mouthpiece (no not the Teleprompter - his spokesman Robert Gibbs) did not discourage these displays, writing that the NRA "cowed" the White House into defending the activists. Yesterday Gibbs said:

There are laws that govern firearms that are done state or locally. Those laws don't change when the president comes to your state or locality.

Stromberg doesn't score any points with me by classifying citizens who carry firearms in public as "nut jobs." I've already written about whether I think they help our cause doing it as they have in these high profile incidents but I don't believe they are "nut jobs."

The fact that Stromberg tries to puff up his "post partisan" creds by telling us he is an "Eagle Scout trained in firearm use" doesn't change the fact that such broad brush portrayals demonstrate that he probably thinks that firearms are probably best left out of the hands of the individual citizen.

NRA has done the right thing to stay out of it and Gibbs' comments yesterday reinforces that view.

Gibbs: Laws Don't Change When the President Comes to Town

Say Uncle has this update on the protesters carrying firearms outside of events where President Obama is speaking:

Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said people are entitled to carry weapons outside such events if local laws allow it. “There are laws that govern firearms that are done state or locally,” he said. “Those laws don’t change when the president comes to your state or locality.”

May Obama did learn something about the Constitution while he was in law school. Hat Tip to Say Uncle.

The Media, Firearms, and Protesters

On Monday, the AP reported:

About a dozen people carrying guns, including one with a military-style rifle, milled among protesters outside the convention center where President Barack Obama was giving a speech Monday...

Included in the story was the term "assault weapon" to describe what one man was carrying.



The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Blog tried to educate the two reporters on how to accurately report on firearms because after saying the man was carrying a "military style" firearm, they repeatedly use the term "assault weapon" in the story. NSSF has been at the forefront of trying to introduce the media to firearms with their "Writer's Guide to Firearms and Ammunition."

You will note in the AP story it has been "updated" from the original story but it is clear they did not update it with the correct descriptions of the firearm.

Kudos to the Phoenix Police for making it clear that those carrying firearms, including the man carrying the semi-automatic rifle were all legal, that no crimes were committed, and no one was arrested. This doesn't surprise me because in my contact with the Phoenix Police during the NRA Annual Meeting they were all very professional and friendly.

Alan Korwin also wrote about the media coverage of this on his Page Nine blog and notes something else about the man carrying the rifle that you would not have known if you did not see the local ABC television coverage video above:

I mentioned to the local NBC-TV affiliate that the media seemed to be avoiding the fact that Chris, the well-known local libertarian with the rifle (and a sidearm), was black. “Well, we’re not supposed to mention race if it’s not a key part of the story.” My eyebrows shot up. “You have a black man with a gun! At a rally for the black president! That’s not relevant?” So she sheepishly admitted, with a chuckle, “Well, that would take away the whole redneck right-wing extremist thing.” This is known in “news” circles as objective reporting.

Hat tip to NSSF and Alan Korwin.

Is MSNBC Becoming the Mouthpiece for Gun Control Crowd?

The following headline from a story on MSNBC's web site Saturday pretty much answers the question:

Complaints over gun law follow Obama on tour
Less restrictive firearms measure just ‘one hiccup’ in president’s agenda

That was how the NBC cable news outlet started a story about President Obama's family vacation trip to Yellowstone National Park over the weekend. It appears that only MSNBC heard the criticism from gun control proponents and parks advocates metaphorically trailing behind the Obamas on their trip for allowing firearms into such majestic places as this. I have to admit, I thought that most of the other news outlets were reporting about criticism of Obama's health care reform efforts.

The anti-carry in parks portion of the story took up the first half of the story and the rest was about the Obama's oohing and ahhing about Old Faithful.

Apparently, Paul Helmke of the Brady Campaign has a direct line to MSNBC. Add this to the Chris Matthews meltdown over the guy carrying outside the Obama NH townhall and the story I posted about yesterday, you get the sense that MSNBC is the choice for the anti-rights crowd when it comes to reporting their news. Makes sense. No one watches MSNBC and few reporters show up to Brady Campaign press conferences so it's a match made in Heaven.

Hat tip to David Codrea.

Still No Mention of Second Amendment on Deeds Web Site

Creigh Deeds has not shied away from answering questions about his record on Second Amendment issues. He actually has a pretty good record with the exception of two recent votes I posted about yesterday. So, given he freely answers questions on the subject, one has to wonder why he does not mention his record on the issue on his campaign web site. The web site doesn't even mention the all encompassing "Sportsmen" issues.

I guess one reason could be that both he and McDonnell said at a recent candidate's debate that they did not believe "social" issues would play a major role in this year's campaign. But McDonnell has a Second Amendment page on the Issues section of his web site and Deeds has started to attack McDonnell on another "divisive" social issue. One might say that there is virtually no difference between the two candidates on the issue so emphasize where there are differences.

But, most believe this will be another close election so why no mention of an issue that speaks to a constituency that by all past experience can be energized to turn out for a candidate who speaks to their concerns?

Just asking.

MSNBC Fixated on Protestors Carrying Firearms

MSNBC points out there were two more citizens carrying firearms outside of an Obama "Townhall."

In a situation similar to last week in Portsmouth, N.H., cameras caught a protester with a pistol holstered to his leg outside of today's event with the president.

Police on the scene were standing right next to the gentleman and were keeping a close eye on him. He's well behind a security barrier outside the convention center in a crowd of protesters.

I'm not sure this helps our cause. I believe a right not exercised is a right denied but these have played right into the hands of people like Paul Helmke:

Bringing loaded firearms to any Presidential event endangers all in attendance. Even though our weak national and state gun laws may allow this dangerous behavior, we should use a little common sense. Individuals carrying loaded weapons at these events require constant attention from police and Secret Service officers, thus stretching their protective efforts even thinner. The possibility that these weapons might be grabbed or stolen or accidentally mishandled increases the risks of serious injury or death to all in attendance.

I know a lot of people that open carry (which is legal in Virginia). It is one of the great things about living in Virginia. In fact, it is the only way gun owners can carry their self defense firearm in Applebees, Olive Garden, and other restaurants that serve alcohol in addition to food.

Having said this, the left and their enablers in the media are already characterizing those protesting against President Obama's policies as an "angry mob." We just need to be careful not to create a caricature for the media to repeatedly regurgitate. I guess it's why I like concealed carry. That way only I know if I am carrying a firearm or not.

Another Anti-Gun Obama Appointment

David Codrea, the Nation's Gun Rights Examiner writes about President Obama's pick to head the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Codrea provides this quote from David Michaels, Obama's OSHA pick, via Walter Olson's Overlawyered.com post:

That’s by no means irrelevant... because once you start viewing private gun ownership as a public health menace, it begins to seem logical to use the powers of government to urge or even require employers to forbid workers from possessing guns on company premises...In addition, OSHA has authority to regulate the working conditions of various job categories associated with firearms use...

Obama has appointed a lot of anti-rights folks in positions that have the power to regulate. It is especially difficult to stop a regulation from being enacted even with a period of public comment before they can take effect. Just one more indication that Obama's point of attack on our rights is likely to come from the regulatory front rather than legislatively.

Hat tip to David Codrea.

Remington Product Safety and Recall Notice

The Firearm Blog reports this morning that Remington is recalling and offering to buy back its .17 HMR Model 597 semi-automatic firearms.

Remington has been notified by its supplier of 17 HMR ammunition that 17 HMR ammunition is not suitable for use in semi-automatic firearms. The use of this ammunition in a semi-automatic firearm could result in property damage or serious personal injury.

Click here for more details.

Hat tip to the Firearm Blog.

Delegate Morgan Griffith Needs Our Help

Delegate Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) has a challenger in his re-election race for the House of Delegates. Delegate Griffith is reliable friend of gun owners in the Virginia General Assembly. As a member of the House Militia, Police, and Public Safety Committee, he is one of the "go-to" legislators when we need to kill a bad bill and when a good bill needs to be moved out of committee. This year, no matter who wins the Governor's race, gun owners need to keep our pro-rights majority in the House of Delegates and build on our majority where we can. Re-electing Delegate Griffith will go a long way toward that end. If you live in the Salem/Roanoke area, please contact the Griffith campaign and ask how you can help.

McDonnell Takes Clear Lead Over Deeds

The Washington Post published the results yesterday of their most recent poll in the Virginia Governor's race. According to the poll, among registered voters, McDonnell holds a 47%-40% lead over Deeds but among the all important "likely" voters McDonnell holds a commanding 54% - 39% lead. According to the poll, McDonnell is doing well even in the Democratic stronghold of Northern Virginia.

In vote-rich Northern Virginia, where President Obama and other successful Democrats have won large majorities, the two run about even, 45 percent for Deeds to 42 percent for McDonnell among all registered voters. Even in the innermost Washington suburbs -- which the Democrat from rural Bath County won handily in his party's primary -- the candidates are running about even. McDonnell, who lives outside Richmond, leads by nine points in the rest of the state.

Anything can happen between now and election day which is a little over two months away. Regardless of the polls, this is going to be a hard choice for gun owners because both candidates have good records on issues important to the pro-rights community. Deeds has split with us on two votes recently - the very publicized "gun show loophole" bill and a lesser reported bill - HB 2528, that would have provided some much need sunshine on local compensated confiscation schemes (gun buy-backs). Deeds voted against the original bill, for the amended bill that neutered it considerably, then voted to uphold Governor Kaine's veto of the amended bill for which he voted. Kind of a "John Kerry Moment" if you will - "I voted against it before I voted for it before I voted against it again."

For McDonnell's part, after voting for Governor Doug Wilder's handgun rationing law (one gun-a-month) in 1993, he has had a very good record supporting gun owners rights, and has said on several occasions during this campaign that he would sign a repeal of handgun rationing if the bill passed.

Gun owners should consider this - Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen , who had a very good pro-rights record, campaigned saying he would sign a bill to repeal the restaurant ban on concealed carry, only to veto it when it passed this year. The Tennessee legislature later overrode the veto. Bredesen said he was persuaded by law enforcement arguments against the bill.

Deeds says he was persuaded by the pleas of the Virginia Tech families impacted by the 2007 shooting on the campus when he decided to vote for the "gun show loophole" bill. So, is someone else going to be able to persuade him to veto a bill he has supported in the past if he is elected Governor? Gun owners need to ask Senator Deeds this question.

Attend a Cuccinelli Event

State Senator Ken Cuccinelli is a strong supporter of our Second Amendment Rights. He is currently in a tight campaign to be our next attorney general. I can't stress how important having a pro-rights AG is to our freedom. The Virginia Attorney General issues opinions when asked by state officials on numerous topics, including our right to keep and bear arms. Senator Cuccinelli is an NRA "A" rated legislator and he is a member of the Arlington Fairfax IWLA club. He needs our help volunteering for various campaign activities, and yes, financially. Below are a list of upcoming opportunities to attend fundraising events around the Commonwealth. If you can afford to make a donation, these events are a great way to show your support. VSSA does not usually use this blog to solicit funds for candidates but I can't think of a better candidate to support than Senator Ken Cuccinelli.

Tuesday, August 18th from 7-8:30pm

Fundraising Reception with Special Guest Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform
Fairfax, VA
Tickets $100 per person/ $150 per couple
$1,000 Host Committee$2,000 Patron$5,000 Benefactor
$10,000 Co-Chairman
RSVP to kevinandanne@aol.com

Saturday, August 22nd from 3-5pm
An Afternoon Family Get-Together
Mechanicsville, VA
Tickets $50 per person$150 Patron$250 Sponsor$500 Co-Host
RSVP to Janet Neat at janetneal@bandfllc.com

Saturday, August 22nd from 5-7pm
A Family BBQ
Richmond, VA
Tickets $100 per person$250 Patron$500 Sponsor$1000 Co-Host
RSVP to Janet Neat at janetneal@bandfllc.com

Monday, August 24th from 6-8pm
Harrisonburg, VA
Tickets $100 per person
$250 Patron
$500 Sponsor
$1000 Co-Host
RSVP to Janet Neat at janetneal@bandfllc.com

Wednesday, August 26th from 7-9pm
McLean, VA
Tickets $50 per person
$250 Patron
$500 Sponsor
$1000 Co-Host
RSVP to Janet Neat at janetneal@bandfllc.com

Tuesday, September 1st from 5:30-7:30pm
An evening reception with special guest, Senator George Allen
Jonesville, VA
Tickets $50 per person$250 Patron$500 Sponsor$1000 Co-Host
RSVP to Janet Neat at janetneal@bandfllc.com

Sportsmen's Banquet to Benefit Hunters for the Hungry

WSLS TV 10 in Roanoke is sponsoring a Sportsmen's Banquet to Benefit Hunters for the Hungry. Scheduled for September 12th, the banquet will be held at the Moose Lodge in Salem, Virginia. There will be a variety of raffles, as well as live and silent auctions of donated merchandise. For tickets or additional information click here.

Hunters for the Hungry is a great charity that thousands of Virginia sportsmen support every year through the additional $2.00 fee added to hunting licenses, by donating venison during hunting season, or through the Combined Federal Campaign. If you live in the Roanoke area and can attend the event, it benefits a truly worthy cause.

Ladies' Day Handgun and Shotgun Clinic

The Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club will host a Ladies' Day Shooting Clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 29th. The range is located in Hanover County, just north of Richmond. Ladies can choose a handgun or shotgun clinic. Certified instructors will present safety instruction, basic marksmanship, comfort, familiarity with firearms, handguns, shotguns, ear and eye protection, and targets. Clinic size is limited to eight shooters per clinic and reservations are required. For more information, contact Henry Baskerville at H.Baskerville@comcast.net.

Get Youth Involved In Shooting Sports

Preserving our heritage of freedom depends on getting young people involved in the shooting sports. Whether it be competitive shooting, plinking or hunting, studies have shown that if an individual is not introduced to these activities at a young age, the chances of them taking them up as an adult are greatly reduced.

With this in mind, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) along with the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association and other youth oriented sportsmen organizations are partnering with the Bass Pro Shops store in Hampton in hosting a "Next Generation" Weekend August 22-23 as part of the chain's 2009 Fall Hunting Classic. The weekend will provide a fun-filled youth oriented event with activities and seminars throughout the day from 11 a.m. till 6 p.m.

This is an excellent opportunity to introduce a young person the the great outdoors.

I Wonder What Holder is Up To

It has come to the attention of VSSA that the office of Attorney General Eric Holder has issued a high priority request for grant making bureaus in the Department of Justice to identify any current or past funded initiatives directed at protecting school children from "gun violence."

This could just be a run up to the beginning of the new school year and providing information that can be used to point to resources available to schools on preventing violence. Knowing Holder's anti-rights background however, it makes you wonder.

Deeds' Live Chat Video

The Richmond Times Dispatch has the video of yesterday's Ask the Candidate live video chat with Creigh Deeds. The 2nd Amendment related questions begin around the 14 minute mark (14:16).

Deeds Answers Second Amendment Questions

About 15 minutes into the live online chat with Deeds, Jim Nolan rattled off three firearm related questions.

On the so-called "gun show loophole" Deeds said he would sign a bill "closing the loophole."

On handgun rationing (one gun-a-month) Deeds said he would sign a bill repealing the law.

On repealing the restaurant ban on carrying concealed firearms in restaurants like Applebees, Olive Gardent, and others that serve alcohol as well as food, Deeds said he would sign the bill, unlike Tim Kaine who vetoed it.

Live Blogging Deeds Ask the Candidate With RTD

Jim Nolan with the RTD is now moderating the Ask the Candidate Live Video Chat. If issues of interest to gun owners and sportsmen come up you will get the news here. First questions were on abortion and transportation.

Arlington House of Delegates Candidate Anti-rights

Found this on AR-15.com. Seems that the mother of a little girl that was chosen to ask a question to President Obama during his staged health care event yesterday, has contribution ties to a candidate for the House of Delegates in Arlington County, Virginia (47th District). The candidate is Adams Parkhomenko, a former aide to Hillary Clinton and a decidedly anti-rights individual. This is not really surprising as Arlington is commonly referred to as the "Peoples Republic of Arlington."

Eric Brescia is Mr. Parkomenko's opponent. We know where Parkhomenko stands but Mr. Brescia does not mention Second Amendment issues on his web site. If you live in the 47th District, contact Mr. Brescia and find out where he stands on your right to keep an bear arms.

Hat tip to AR-15.com

Deeds, the Confederate Flag and the Sportsman Show

I opened up my email this morning and found a story in the Red State Morning Briefing that just should not be a part of a statewide campaign in 2009. It all began when Ben Tribbett's left leaning Not Larry Sabato blog posted a photo of the Sportsmen for McDonnell booth at the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show. The angle of the photo shows a Confederate Flag and Tribbett posted the flag was part of the McDonnell booth.

The Washington Post's Anita Kumar reported on the Post's Virginia Politics blog that Creigh Deeds' campaign manager sent out this Tweet:

BREAKING NEWS: MCDONNELL HAS CONFEDERATE FLAG POSTED IN HIS BOOTH AT GUN SHOW IN RICHMOND

First, I think it shows a bit of tone deafness on the part of the Deeds campaign to call the largest and oldest outdoor show in the Commonwealth a "gun show." It's not a gun show and no guns are for sale at the show. It is a collection of over 300 vendors that include hunting clubs, sporting goods retailers, hunting outfitters, conservation groups, and more, where hunters and sportsmen gather to purchase supplies or hunting trips for the upcoming season.

I agree with RedState:

The real story here and the one the Washington Post did not report is that Bob McDonnell showed up at the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show and Creigh Deeds did not.

I was at the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show on Saturday and Sunday. It was packed to the point you could barely walk the aisles. Deeds missed an excellent opportunity to reach out to over 20,000 sportsmen and women. I don't recall even seeing a booth. Both Tim Kaine and Mark Warner had a campaign booth at the show when they ran for Governor and Warner had a booth last year when he ran for the U.S. Senate.

Deeds needs to wake up the people running his campaign to the fact that sportsmen are not to be taken for granted. Or, maybe Deeds has determined that to reach out to Northern Virginia's more liberal voters he needs to leave his rural past behind. Either way, he puts his hopes for advancing to the Governor's Mansion in jeopardy.

Hat tip to Red State and Anita Kumar.

Bloomberg Looking to Go Toe to Toe With NRA

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg apparently is not busy enough running one of the nation's largest cities. Now he wants to raise money to go toe to toe with the NRA to get his anti-rights message to the masses. Or so he said on Meet the Press this past Sunday:

If you want to beat the NRA you have to go out and get your message out, and it costs money to do that.

Bloomberg claims he just wants to let Congress know that federal law prevents criminals from owning guns. I think even my eight year-old knows criminals aren't allowed to own guns so maybe Bloomberg's fundraising efforts would be better spent keeping violent criminals behind bars rather than releasing them as this USA Today story from July says The Sentencing Project wants.

Times Dispatch Live Chat with Creigh Deeds Wednesday

The second "Ask the Candidate" live video chat will be held Wednesday at 12:45 p.m. on TimesDispatch.com with R. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. You can submit questions in advance for Deeds at News@TimesDispatch.com. Be sure to put "Ask the Candidate" in the subject field.

Congressmen planning town-hall meetings

The Richmond Times-Dispatch provides information today on how Virginia's congressional delegation will interact with constituients during the August Recess.

Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-3rd, and Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., plan to schedule meetings later this month but have not yet released the specifics.

Rep. Robert J. Wittman, R-1st, will hold meetings in Newport News on Aug. 31 and in Fredericksburg on Sept. 1. He also plans to conduct a telephone town hall.

Cantor traditionally does not hold town-hall meetings during the August break, but he conducts regular telephone town halls and plans some for the fall, a spokeswoman said.

Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., is on a two-week trip to Asia, and his office says it will decide how to proceed when he returns.

...Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th, is the first area member of Congress to brave the fiery health-care debate at a series of town-hall meetings. Through the end of August, he has 15 more "Tom in Your Town" meetings sprinkled throughout the district, which stretches from Charlottesville south to the North Carolina line.

Rep. J. Randy Forbes, R-4th, has not scheduled a town-hall meeting yet, but he has had an extensive conversation with constituents ...through blogging and a survey on his Web site.

August is your chance to make your voice heard to your elected officials.

Ammo Frenzy

I found this over on the National Shooting Sports Foundation's (NSSF) web site. Somehow I missed it in my weekly edition of the NSSF Bullet Points. Lou Dobbs is about the only CNN personality that does pro-Second Amendment segments on his program and in my opinion about the only program worth watching on CNN. If you are having problems finding ammo in your favorite caliber, maybe you should consider reloading. VSSA is hosting Reloading Clinics this fall. While space is limited in each class, we still have some slots available. Get more info here.

New Jersey Handgun Rationing Law Signed

Governor Jon Corzine signed a handgun rationing bill into law this week in New Jersey. This is a state that already requires a permit to purchase a firearm and from what I understand, it takes weeks for a permit to be approved. So, one might ask, just what is the purpose of a handgun rationing bill if it already can take weeks to complete a purchase. Well, Cam Edwards had Second Amendment attorney Evan Nappen on earlier this week and he shed little light on what the true goal of the bill likely was - to dry up the supply of firearms.

You see, the NJ bill was not a simple law like Virginia's handgun rationing law. While I don't like Virginia's law and hope the next Governor will be successful in finally repealing it, Virginia's law simply states that an individual could not (with some exceptions) purchase more than one handgun in a 30 day period. In 2004, concealed handgun permit holders were exempted from the rationing law.

New Jersey's law, according to Nappen, does not include language to specifically exempt dealers from the law. Take a listen to Nappen from his appearance on NRANews a couple of weeks ago and you quickly learn what this bill will mean for New Jersey gun owners and gun dealers. The video from this week is not yet available for sharing at the NRANews web site but the clip below has much of the same information that was discussed Wednesday night on the program.

Every time I hear Cam talk to someone from New Jersey I thank God that I live in Virginia.

This is Refreshing

I recently contacted Congressman Randy Forbes asking him to co-sponsor H.R. 2296: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2009. I had all expectations that he would sign on but at the time I contacted him, he had not. Congressman Forbes is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment back to his days in the Virginia General Assembly. What I did not expect was to get a phone call from a staff member letting me know that he had co-sponsored the bill. I get so many "stock" form letters in response to contacts with legislators (not necessarily from Congressman Forbes) and many times these letters written by low level staff barely address the specific issue I had mentioned in my correspondence. So to get a phone call from the Congressman's office specifically addressing the bill that was the subject of my contact is truly refreshing.

Busy Weekend for Sportsmen in Virginia

Hunters and Sportsmen of all stripes have plenty to choose from this weekend when it comes to preparing for the coming hunting seasons. First and foremost is the 26th Annual Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show. This show is put on by Hugh Crittenden in association with the Virginia Deer Hunters Association. This is the longest running outdoor show in the Commonwealth and it attracts upwards of 20,000 people every year. This is a show not to be missed. Also, while you are at the show, be sure to stop by the NRA-ILA booth and sign up to be a Frontlines Volunteer for this year's election.

Also starting this weekend is Bass Pro Shops 2009 Fall Hunting Classic in both the Hampton and Richmond stores. This event runs from August 7-23 and will include sales on hunting supplies and seminars on various topics.

Two of Richmond's local retailers are also holding big sales this weekend to take advantage of the influx of sportsmen. First is Dance's Sporting Goods located in Colonial Heights. This is Dance's 2nd Annual Outdoor Sportsman's Show event and runs from August 8 - 16th.

Greentop Sporting Goods, in Hanover County just down the interstate from Bass Pro Shops, has their annual Summer Sale which began August 5th and runs through August 9th.

In short, there are a lot of activities that sportsmen can take advantage of this weekend.

Video of Ask The Candiate with Bob McDonnell

McDonnell and One Gun-A-Month

From this morning's RTD recap of yesterday's live video chat:

He said he now thinks the law "probably is not -- may not -- be needed anymore."

McDonnell said there have been "tremendous advances" in instant background checks and in the law on straw purchases since the law was enacted 16 years ago.

"If the General Assembly passes a bill [to repeal the ban] and sends it to me, I'll sign it," he said.

I don't think you can get more specific than that.

New Poll Shows GOP Candidates Leading All Three Races

Public Policy Polling released a poll today showing that Republican Bob McDonnell has developed a wider lead over Democrat Creigh Deeds in the race for governor.

McDonnell's support came in at 51 percent of those surveyed, to 37 percent for Deeds.

The poll indicates that a dip in President Barack Obama's popularity has affected Deeds in Virginia.

Key to McDonnell's chances to win is that he leads among independents, 52 percent to 33 percent.

In the down ticket races, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who is seeking re-election, is backed by 48 percent to 34 percent for Democrat Jody Wagner. In the contest for attorney general, state Sen. Ken Cuccinelli, R-Fairfax, leads 45 percent to 32 percent for Del. Steve Shannon, D-Fairfax.

The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.

McDonnell Would Sign Bill Repealing Handgun Rationing

Former Attorney General Bob McDonnell just told the Richmond Times Dispatch during a live online chat that he would sign a bill repealing handgun rationing.

Mark Warner, NRA, and Sotomayor

With debate and a vote on President Obama's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court taking place this week, much is being written in the media as to whether the NRA's decision to score the vote and the fact that a number of previously NRA endorsed U.S. Senators are going to vote for her signals the organization's clout is waning. I think this is all tripe but today's Washington Times noted this comment from Virginia's junior senator Mark Warner:

"I think the NRA at some point has gone beyond its mission, and are perhaps allowing themselves to get hijacked by those who are in the extreme," Sen. Mark Warner, Virginia Democrat, told the Hill newspaper.

Is it extreme to oppose someone for a life appointment to the highest court in the land who has opined that the protection guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the Constitution "is not a fundamental right?" Does Senator Warner view as extreme those who believe the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right?

I find his comment interesting if for no other reason, Warner has worked hard to cultivate a pro-Second Amendment record, including not offending the NRA since he ran for Governor in 2001. The last time he made anything near a disparaging remark about the group was at a debate during the 2001 campaign when debate moderator and former governor Doug Wilder asked if Warner thought the NRA was a positive force in Virginia. Warner stumbled and fumbled and finally said he thought the NRA represented the views of its members. His performance on that question in the debate prompted the NRA to change it's neutral stance at the last minute and send a letter to members urging them to vote for Mark Earley. Though the letter was probably sent too late to have a major impact on the election results, it likely had something to do with Warner's 12 point lead in the polls dipping to a 5 point margin of victory on election night.

Be that as it may, Warner went on to sign every pro-rights bill that was put on his desk and earned an "A" rating in his campaign for the senate last year. He was not endorsed since his opponent was also a former governor with an "A" rating who is also an NRA Board member.

Regarding the Sotomayor nomination, NRA was between a rock and a hard place. It is difficult to defeat a Supreme Court nominee (though not impossible - just ask Robert Bork) since, as the Times noted, many put issues on the back burner and take the view that the president should get his pick. Elections do have consequences after all. Given her written opinion on the issue near and dear to the heart of NRA members, if they said nothing, there would be pro-freedom folks that would be unhappy. If they decided as they have, to oppose the nomination and lose, you get Paul Helmke saying things like this:

"The lesson that's going to come out of this is you can vote against the NRA and still win, and win in gun-friendly areas," said Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the nation's leading gun control group, which is billing this week's vote as a chance to defeat the NRA.

I am still scratching my head though over Warner's backhand to the NRA. Here is a guy who back in February told The Hill newspaper that he opposed reinstating the so-called "assault weapons" ban so you can't figure he is a darling of the anti-rights crowd. But his comment sounds like some Brady campaign talking point on Sotomayor. I guess this is what happens when you elect a "Radical Centrist" as Senator Warner likes to call himself.

Ask the Candidates

The Richmond Times-Dispatch has arranged live video chats with both gubernatorial candidates. Former Attorney General Bob McDonnell will be first up on Tuesday, August 4, at 2 p.m.

On Wednesday, August 12, at 12:45 p.m. you can watch a 30-minute chat with State Senator Creigh Deeds, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

Here is your chance to ask each candidate your questions related to Second Amendment issues.

You may submit questions in advance by e-mailing News@TimesDispatch.com. Be sure to put “Ask the Candidate” in the subject field.

Virginia Beach Councilman Wants Permit to Sell Firearms

The Pilot Online reported Saturday that Virginia Beach Councilman Bill DeSteph has applied to the city for a permit to sell firearms out of a Great Neck home he will be moving into this summer. According to the Pilot, DeSteph is a gun collector and he now wants to expand his hobby into a business.

One neighbor the Pilot spoke with said he is not in favor of the idea, but, at least said he would want it know the complete details before taking a "strong stand."

Alice Mountjoy, a local anti-rights activist with the Virginia Center for Public Safety, injected her little talking point into the story when asked about it. It was clear that DeSteph's intention is to run a business - which means he is required to apply for a Federal Firearms License. Mounjoy said in reference to DeSteph applying for an FFL:

It's a good thing. A lot of people are selling from their private collections without any license all. He'll have to do background checks. The thing I'd be concerned about if I was a neighbor is who is coming to buy these guns.

Mountjoy knows full well that anyone doing business must have an FFL. People just selling a firearm from time to time from their private collection is not in business. And, DeSteph plans to have a specialized clientele.

Here's hoping Councilman DeSteph is successful in obtaining his permit from the city.

Hat tip to NRANews

NPR Says US Gun Laws to Blame for Mexican Smugglers

It only took National Public Radio two lines in this story to let the reporter's bias show.

For years, Mexican drug traffickers have used gun stores and gun shows in the U.S. as their weapons supermarkets. The world's most murderous drug mafias operate on a border with a country that has the most permissive gun laws in the developed world.

And, not surprisingly, they recite the often debunked "90%" of illegal guns in Mexico originated in the U.S. garbage. Crediting a Government Accountability Office report doesn't make the false statistic accurate. David Codrea did a good job of taking apart the GAO study shortly after it was released.

The reporter hits all of the Brady Campaign talking points:

Relaxed reporting requirements for arms purchases make it difficult for his agents. For instance, if you buy two handguns within five days, the dealer must report it to the ATF. But you can buy all the rifles you want, and the dealer doesn't have to report it.

Ammo is not just untraceable, ... it's virtually unregulated.

Mexico has asked the U.S. not just to pursue gun traffickers on the border, but change the laws. But so far, the Obama administration has shown little interest in taking on the gun lobby.

Our tax dollars pay for this one sided reporting. Local NPR affiliates from time to time do some good shows on the issue of gun rights - offering debates between pro and anti-rights representatives. But this story is nothing but propaganda for the anti-rights crowd.

Hat tip to Alphecca.