NRA Political Victory Fund Posts Endorsements for June 9 Primary

Last week we shared the NRA-PVF and VSSA Endorsements for Bill Janis in the 12th Senate District.  Today, the NRA-PVF posted additional endorsements on its web site.  Additionally, VSSA posted an endorsement for incumbent State Senator Steve Martin in the 11th State Senate District.

NRA-PVF also endorsed Senator Martin.  Additionally Dessert Storm and Navy Veteran Bill DeSteph in Virginia's 8th Senate District, Senator John Cosgrove in the 14th District, and Senator Emmett Hanger in the 24th also received endorsements.

The Richmond area is home to both the 11th and the 12th Senate Districts.  The 12th District primary is to fill the seat of retiring State Senator Walter Stosch.  There are four candidates vying for the nomination.  The winner will likely be the next Senator from the 12 District.  Two of the other three candidates received "AQ" ratings (meaning they answered the questionnaire in a manner that merited an "A" but they have no legislative record) in the race. One candidate received a question mark meaning the candidate did not return the questionnaire which should be considered indifference to the issue or could mean outright hostility to our rights.

There is a similar situation in the 11th District.  Incumbent State Senator Steve Martin, who earned an "A-" NRA-PVF rating is facing two challengers.  One of those challengers received an "AQ" rating. One candidate received a question mark.  The winner of the 11th District Primary is also in a good position to coast to victory in November.

Amendment Affecting Northern Virginia Gun Club Pulled

VSSA received word from its lobbyist early this morning that the Senate budget amendment that would have had an adverse impact on the operation of the Northern Virginia Gun Club has been withdrawn.  We will know for sure when the final Senate budget is announced but the fact it has been announced to the press is a very good sign.  The Fredericksburg Free Lance Star reports:

A bill that would have turned a private trail in King George County into a state park made it to the General Assembly for the first time this session, then was withdrawn Friday.

Still, supporters of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail said they’re encouraged the proposal was included in a Senate bill.

The club was not the only group of people who would have been affected by the amendment it is the belief of VSSA that those promoting the amendment had not provided full disclosure to Senator Hanger, the patron of the amendment, as to all of the landowners that would have been affected if it had passed.

First, thanks to the VSSA legislative team for their work with committee members to help get the amendment pulled.  A special thanks also to all of the members of the Northern Virginia Gun Club and VSSA members who contacted the Senate Finance Committee and let their voice be heard in support of protecting the club.  Should something change between now and the time the Senate budget is announced tomorrow, VSSA will alert the membership.

Kaine Veto of SB 436 and SB 476 Sustained

The Senate voted on whether to sustain or override anti-gun Governor Kaine's veto of SB 436 and SB 476. Both votes failed as SB 436 died on a 25-15 vote. This is a switch of six votes from original passage. But when you look at those switchers, most of them are usually anti-gun legislators, or at least not folks we could count on to be on our side more than occasionally (Barker - NRA "D" rating, Colgan - NRA "D" rating, Yvonne Miller - NRA "F" rating, Northam NRA "C-" rating, Petersen - NRA "C" rating, Whipple - NRA "F" rating) that would not have been expected to vote for this type of legislation in the first place.

SB 476 died on a 22-18 vote with two votes switching, the usually anti-gun Colgan switched and southwest Virginia Senator Philip Puckett voting to sustain the veto. Senator Puckett used to be a reliably pro-gun vote but only received a "C" rating from the NRA in 2007.

Both bills are dead for the session. VSSA would like to thank State Senators Vogel and Hanger for their leadership on both of these commonsense proposals, and for their willingness to stand up for Virginia's law-abiding firearm owners! We'd also like to express our appreciation for those State Senators and Delegates who supported both of these measures and worked to protect your right to self-defense, as well as for the thousands of VSSA Members and gun owners across the Commonwealth who contacted their elected officials in support of these measures. Please take time and thank your Senator or Delegate if they voted to support your right to self defense. Also, continue to let Governor Kaine know how you feel about his having vetoed these commonsense bills.

SB436 and SB476 Move to House Floor Today

On Monday, February 18, the Virginia House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee passed two critically important self-defense measures. SB436 , sponsored by State Senator Jill Vogel (R-27), passed by a vote of 17-4 and will allow law-abiding, non-concealed carry permit holders to store a handgun in a locked compartment or container in their personal vehicles or boats.

Another important bill, SB476, authored by State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24), will allow restaurant owners to decide if they will allow Right-to-Carry permit holders to carry a firearm for self-defense in their restaurants. SB476 passed by a vote of 16-5.Both of these bills represent significant advances in an ongoing effort to protect and enhance Virginia’s self-defense statutes.

According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, anti-gun Governor Tim Kaine trotted out the Virginia State Police and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to oppose these bills in committee. Expect a full court lobbying press by Kaine's forces and the gun ban lobby to topedo these bills in the full House.

These bills will likely be considered by the full House in the very near future, and will likely face their first test today. Please contact your Delegate and strongly encourage him or her to protect your right to self-defense by supporting and voting for SB436 and SB476! You can find their contact information by clicking here.