On May 12, the Virginia Shooting Sports Association sent a letter to State Senator Ken Cuccinelli endorsing him in his campaign for the Republican Nomination for Attorney General. The Republican Party of Virginia will hold a convention in Richmond on May 29th and 30th to select their nominees for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. Senator Cuccinelli has never wavered in his support of our gun rights and the 2nd Amendment.
VSSA urges all VSSA members and gun owners who have filed to be a delegate to the Republican Convention the last weekend of May to attend the convention and vote for Senator Ken Cuccinelli for AG.
Showing posts with label 2009 election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 election. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Bill Janis Needs Our Help
Delegate Bill Janis, a true friend of Virginia gun owners, needs our help. He is facing a serious challenge from James Towey, the former head of the Virginia Crime Commission.
Every election year you hear candidates say 'This is the most important election ever...' Well, this year is no exception and it could very well be true. The anti-rights crowd is making a major push to make gun control an issue in a statewide election for the first time in over 15 years. That's why we need to help our friends now. We can't wait until September to begin our work to support our friends. It could take just a swing of just a hand full of seats to put the anti-rights crowd in control of the House of Delegates and our firewall against gun control will be lost.
If you live in the 56th House of Delegates District (parts of Henrico County and all of Louisa and Goochland counties) or if you live in the Richmond area and just want to help a pro-rights candidate, please contact Delegate Janis to see how you can help.
Every election year you hear candidates say 'This is the most important election ever...' Well, this year is no exception and it could very well be true. The anti-rights crowd is making a major push to make gun control an issue in a statewide election for the first time in over 15 years. That's why we need to help our friends now. We can't wait until September to begin our work to support our friends. It could take just a swing of just a hand full of seats to put the anti-rights crowd in control of the House of Delegates and our firewall against gun control will be lost.
If you live in the 56th House of Delegates District (parts of Henrico County and all of Louisa and Goochland counties) or if you live in the Richmond area and just want to help a pro-rights candidate, please contact Delegate Janis to see how you can help.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Democratic Candidates for Governor and Gun Shows
All three candidates for Governor appeared at a debate in Blacksburg Wednesday night and all said they supported requiring background checks on private sales at gun shows. The three candidates are State Sen. R Creigh Deeds, former Democratic national chairman Terry McAuliffe and former House of Delegates Democratic Caucus leader Brian Moran.
Until this year, Deeds has consistently supported gun owners on this issue but it appears he believes to win the nomination he has to shift his position.
Moran took the opportunity point out Deeds is that voted earlier this month to override Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's veto of a bill that allows people with concealed weapons permits into restaurants that serve alcohol.
Moran is a little inconsistent too. He was working real hard to up his NRA rating a few years ago when he went from a "D" candidate for the House of Delegates in 2003 to a "B-" in 2005 and an "A" in 2007, likely in the hopes of helping his planned run for Governor. Who knew then that Terry McAuliffe would jump in the race and Moran would have to share the stage with someone from his home turf.
Until this year, Deeds has consistently supported gun owners on this issue but it appears he believes to win the nomination he has to shift his position.
Moran took the opportunity point out Deeds is that voted earlier this month to override Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's veto of a bill that allows people with concealed weapons permits into restaurants that serve alcohol.
Moran is a little inconsistent too. He was working real hard to up his NRA rating a few years ago when he went from a "D" candidate for the House of Delegates in 2003 to a "B-" in 2005 and an "A" in 2007, likely in the hopes of helping his planned run for Governor. Who knew then that Terry McAuliffe would jump in the race and Moran would have to share the stage with someone from his home turf.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Bob McDonnell Leads Three Democratic Candidates
Just two days after New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg came into Virgina in an attempt to influence the governor's election by pounding on Bob McDonnell for not supporting the "Gun Show Loophole" bill, pollster Scott Rasmussen reported in a head to head match up with the three Democratic candidates running for governor, McDonnell leads all three. To some extent this could be due to McDonnell having higher name ID (though it would be hard to image that the name Terry McAuliffe is completely unknown).
The former attorney general and lone GOP candidate, and Brian J. Moran, a former state delegate from Alexandria. McDonnell now leads Moran by 10 points, 44% to 34%.
The highest profile Democrat in the race is next. Terry McAuliffe, a longtime Clinton confidant and former national party chairman, trails McDonnell by 12 points, 45% to 33%.
State Delegate R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County continues to fare the worst against his Republican opponent. McDonnell leads Deeds by 15 points, 45% to 30%. Deeds is the only Democrat in the race that has had a dependable pro-rights voting record.
Virginia Democrats will pick their gubernatorial nominee in a June 9 primary and Rasmussen reports that the Democratic Primary competition is having an impact on the General Election polls. According to Rasmussen, each of the three Democratic candidates attracts a relatively low level of support from within their own party in the current polls and a correspondingly large number of Democrats who are undecided.
The former attorney general and lone GOP candidate, and Brian J. Moran, a former state delegate from Alexandria. McDonnell now leads Moran by 10 points, 44% to 34%.
The highest profile Democrat in the race is next. Terry McAuliffe, a longtime Clinton confidant and former national party chairman, trails McDonnell by 12 points, 45% to 33%.
State Delegate R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County continues to fare the worst against his Republican opponent. McDonnell leads Deeds by 15 points, 45% to 30%. Deeds is the only Democrat in the race that has had a dependable pro-rights voting record.
Virginia Democrats will pick their gubernatorial nominee in a June 9 primary and Rasmussen reports that the Democratic Primary competition is having an impact on the General Election polls. According to Rasmussen, each of the three Democratic candidates attracts a relatively low level of support from within their own party in the current polls and a correspondingly large number of Democrats who are undecided.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Delegate O'Bannon Gets Challenger
Delegate John O'Bannon has attracted a challenger to his western Henrico County House of Delegate's Seat. This is the district formerly represented by now Congressman Eric Cantor and the district has been as ably represented by O'Bannon as it was by Cantor. Delegate O'Bannon has been a great supporter of our rights during his tenure in the House. He has also put his money where his votes are by supporting the Richmond Metro Friends of NRA (RMFNRA) Annual Fun Shoot and Banquet for several years until the RMFNRA committee disbanded in 2005.
Delegate O'Bannon is a true friend and gun owners in the 73rd House District are encouraged to contact the campaign and offer to assist in his re-election bid.
Delegate O'Bannon is a true friend and gun owners in the 73rd House District are encouraged to contact the campaign and offer to assist in his re-election bid.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Republican Nomination for Attorney General
I have been asked why VSSA has not made an endorsement in the Republican nomination contest for Attorney General. While there may be an endorsement in the future, there are a couple of reasons why VSSA has not made an endorsement at this time. First, it is unusual for VSSA to endorse in nomination contests. VSSA will do everything we can to let you know about the candidates running - the first step in this process was allowing all three candidates to address the membership through the January issue of The Bullet.
Senator Ken Cuccinelli, one of the three candidates, needs no introduction to Virginia gun owners. He has been a stalwart supporter of our rights during his time in the Virginia State Senate. I know a number of VSSA members that live in his senate district have been volunteering for him at gun shows and other venues. He is also a member of the Arlington-Fairfax IWLA club.
Both of the other candidates, former U.S. Attorney John Brownlee and Dave Foster have expressed their support for an individual right to keep and bear arms. Neither have held elective office where they have cast votes on the issue (though Foster was a school board member in the past).
The second reason VSSA has yet to make an endorsement is the nomination is being decided by a nominating convention, not a primary. Nominating conventions are typically open only to members of the party holding the contest, where primaries in Virginia are open to all voters. To make an endorsement in this race would mean VSSA would be telling members to participate in a process that may require them to sign a pledge of support for all candidates of that party in the general election. VSSA is non-partisan and is uncomfortable with such a position. Gun owners should feel free to vote for the candidates that will protect our rights and they may not all be in the same party.
VSSA does believe that gun owners should be involved in the process that will determine the candidate of both parties in the general election so that the ultimate candidates will support our rights. In the case of the Attorney General race, it appears that only the Republican party has the opportunity to nominate a candidate that is pro-rights. The only candidate on the Democratic side is an NRA "C" rated candidate. Democrats are nominating by a primary that will be held in June.
Having said this, VSSA encourages members to contact all of the candidates to find out what their positions are on specific issues of importance to gun owners. If you would like to get involved in the Republican nominating process, you will have to pre-file to be a delegate to the May 29-30, 2009, nominating convention. There are deadlines this week in the following localities:
Fairfax(Saturday Deadline) Prince William(Saturday Deadline) Roanoke County(Saturday Deadline) Or Newport News(Friday Deadline)
If you want to support a particular candidate, contact them at the information provided below.
Senator Ken Cuccinelli: 1-703-766-0635
John Brownlee: 1-888-523-6724
Dave Foster: 1-703-349-2820
VSSA will be posting the deadlines for the remaining localities on the VSSA web site in the coming days.
Senator Ken Cuccinelli, one of the three candidates, needs no introduction to Virginia gun owners. He has been a stalwart supporter of our rights during his time in the Virginia State Senate. I know a number of VSSA members that live in his senate district have been volunteering for him at gun shows and other venues. He is also a member of the Arlington-Fairfax IWLA club.
Both of the other candidates, former U.S. Attorney John Brownlee and Dave Foster have expressed their support for an individual right to keep and bear arms. Neither have held elective office where they have cast votes on the issue (though Foster was a school board member in the past).
The second reason VSSA has yet to make an endorsement is the nomination is being decided by a nominating convention, not a primary. Nominating conventions are typically open only to members of the party holding the contest, where primaries in Virginia are open to all voters. To make an endorsement in this race would mean VSSA would be telling members to participate in a process that may require them to sign a pledge of support for all candidates of that party in the general election. VSSA is non-partisan and is uncomfortable with such a position. Gun owners should feel free to vote for the candidates that will protect our rights and they may not all be in the same party.
VSSA does believe that gun owners should be involved in the process that will determine the candidate of both parties in the general election so that the ultimate candidates will support our rights. In the case of the Attorney General race, it appears that only the Republican party has the opportunity to nominate a candidate that is pro-rights. The only candidate on the Democratic side is an NRA "C" rated candidate. Democrats are nominating by a primary that will be held in June.
Having said this, VSSA encourages members to contact all of the candidates to find out what their positions are on specific issues of importance to gun owners. If you would like to get involved in the Republican nominating process, you will have to pre-file to be a delegate to the May 29-30, 2009, nominating convention. There are deadlines this week in the following localities:
Fairfax(Saturday Deadline) Prince William(Saturday Deadline) Roanoke County(Saturday Deadline) Or Newport News(Friday Deadline)
If you want to support a particular candidate, contact them at the information provided below.
Senator Ken Cuccinelli: 1-703-766-0635
John Brownlee: 1-888-523-6724
Dave Foster: 1-703-349-2820
VSSA will be posting the deadlines for the remaining localities on the VSSA web site in the coming days.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Delegate Bill Janis Gets Challenger
Pro-rights supporter and VSSA member Delegate Bill Janis has drawn opposition in this year's General Assembly Elections. James Towey, the former director of the Virginia State Crime Commission, is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Janis in the 56th House of Delegates district, which includes parts of Henrico County and all of Louisa and Goochland counties.
All gun owners in the 56th House District are encouraged to contact Delegate Janis to find out how you can help him in his reelection campaign.
All gun owners in the 56th House District are encouraged to contact Delegate Janis to find out how you can help him in his reelection campaign.
Republican AG Candidates To Debate in Culpeper
The three Republican candidates running for Attorney General will debate in Culpeper on March 16th. The debate will be held at 7 p.m. at the Germanna Community College Daniel Technology Center and is open to the public. The Culpeper, Madison and Orange Republican committees are sponsoring the event. The debate is an excellent opportunity to see all of the candidates on the Republican side and learn where they stand on the issues - including the Second Amendment - and gun owners are encouraged to attend. Attendees typically have an opportunity to speak with the candidates after these type of local events.
The Office of the Attorney General is a very important office for protecting the rights of Virginia's gun owners. The last two AG's (Jerry Kilgore and Bob McDonnell) responded to opinion requests that directly affected the rights of gun owners - Kilgore responded that CHP holders could carry in state parks and McDonnell responded that the State Police CHP database was not public information. McDonnell also joined an amicus brief on the side of Heller in the D.C. gun ban case - taking a different position that Virginia's anti-rights Governor Tim Kaine, who supported the D.C. Gun Ban. While AG's opinions are just that - legal opinions - they often carry the force of law and may lead the General Assembly to act accordingly.
Only one of three candidates running on the Republican side has held an elective office that regularly deals with gun related issues - State Senator Ken Cuccinelli. He has been a strong defender of our rights and received an "A" rating from the NRA in his 2007 re-election bid for office. Virginia gun owners have no question about Senator Cuccinelli's pro-rights credentials.
Among the other two candidates running for the Republican AG nomination, is former U.S. Attorney John Brownlee. He served as U.S. Attorney, 2001-2008. Brownlee is also a retired U.S. Army officer, honorably discharged in 2001. Brownlee attended high school in Fairfax, is a graduate of Washington & Lee University and William and Mary School of Law. He currently teaches Trail Advocacy at UVA School of Law. Brownlee wrote in the January issue of the VSSA member publication, The Bullet, that he is a life long supporter of the Second Amendment and applauded the Heller Decision.
Dave Foster is the third candidate on the Republican side. He served two terms on the Arlington County School Board and is a graduate of the UVA School of Law. Mr. Foster also wrote in his January Bullet article that he supports an individual right to keep and bear arms.
Delegate Steve Shannon is the only Democrat running for AG. He received a "C" rating from the NRA in 2007. It appears that if gun owners are to have a pro-rights candidate for AG, it will come from the Republican side this year.
The Office of the Attorney General is a very important office for protecting the rights of Virginia's gun owners. The last two AG's (Jerry Kilgore and Bob McDonnell) responded to opinion requests that directly affected the rights of gun owners - Kilgore responded that CHP holders could carry in state parks and McDonnell responded that the State Police CHP database was not public information. McDonnell also joined an amicus brief on the side of Heller in the D.C. gun ban case - taking a different position that Virginia's anti-rights Governor Tim Kaine, who supported the D.C. Gun Ban. While AG's opinions are just that - legal opinions - they often carry the force of law and may lead the General Assembly to act accordingly.
Only one of three candidates running on the Republican side has held an elective office that regularly deals with gun related issues - State Senator Ken Cuccinelli. He has been a strong defender of our rights and received an "A" rating from the NRA in his 2007 re-election bid for office. Virginia gun owners have no question about Senator Cuccinelli's pro-rights credentials.
Among the other two candidates running for the Republican AG nomination, is former U.S. Attorney John Brownlee. He served as U.S. Attorney, 2001-2008. Brownlee is also a retired U.S. Army officer, honorably discharged in 2001. Brownlee attended high school in Fairfax, is a graduate of Washington & Lee University and William and Mary School of Law. He currently teaches Trail Advocacy at UVA School of Law. Brownlee wrote in the January issue of the VSSA member publication, The Bullet, that he is a life long supporter of the Second Amendment and applauded the Heller Decision.
Dave Foster is the third candidate on the Republican side. He served two terms on the Arlington County School Board and is a graduate of the UVA School of Law. Mr. Foster also wrote in his January Bullet article that he supports an individual right to keep and bear arms.
Delegate Steve Shannon is the only Democrat running for AG. He received a "C" rating from the NRA in 2007. It appears that if gun owners are to have a pro-rights candidate for AG, it will come from the Republican side this year.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
2009 Election
The end of the General Assembly in an election year also brings with it announcements of retirement from the legislature. This year was no different. So far five members of the House of Delegates have announced they will not run for another term. Two of those who have announced, Delegate Jeff Frederick (Prince William) and Delegate William Fralin (Roanoke), have been friends of gun owners and we will have to work hard to replace them with legislators that respect the Constitution and our rights. Another retiring delegate, Frank Hargrove (Hanover) was a supporter of our rights with the exception of repealing the "restaurant ban," which he voted against in 2003, last year, and this year. Gun owners in Hanover need to get involved in the nominating process to help make sure we have a strong advocate for all of our rights to replace Delegate Hargrove.
In the 25th House District, another friend of gun owners, Delegate Steve Landes (Weyers Cave), will face opposition for the first time in more than a decade. Landes deserves the support of gun owners in his district and I will have information in the near future on how to help him in his re-election bid.
In the 25th House District, another friend of gun owners, Delegate Steve Landes (Weyers Cave), will face opposition for the first time in more than a decade. Landes deserves the support of gun owners in his district and I will have information in the near future on how to help him in his re-election bid.
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