Election Wrap-Up: Strong Showing for Pro-Industry, Pro-Gun Candidates

From NSSF:

“Following an unprecedented and robust midterm NSSF Voter Education campaign, including the establishment of an NSSF Political Action Committee, the 2010 elections proved to be exceptionally strong for pro-industry candidates at both the federal and state levels. In the election, Republicans took back control of the House of Representatives while picking up six seats in the Senate and 10 governorships.

Though the Democrats maintain control of the Senate, pro-industry/gun Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) won re-election — a move that keeps either anti-gun senators Chuck Schumer (D) or Dick Durbin (D) from assuming the leadership position.

At the state level, pro-gun/hunting measures fared very well. Three of four states overwhelmingly passed Right to Hunt and Fish measures, including: Arkansas, South Carolina and Tennessee. The state of Kansas passed, with 90 percent approval, the right to keep and bear arms. And in Montana, financing measures for big- game hunting were approved.

Also worth noting at the state level is the New York State Senate election results. This year NSSF waged a significant battle to defend the empire state against ill-conceived microstamping legislation. Our win, largely attributable to NSSF being able to successfully educate state legislators on the problems of microstamping, may once again be tested as control of the state senate awaits final poll results in several close races.

In California, the projected winner in the race for Attorney General, Kamala Harris (D), will likely certify firearms microstamping as being unencumbered by patent restrictions, a move that will result in the implementation of the already passed microstamping law. NSSF is continuing to engage on this issue and will update industry members and enthusiasts as information becomes available.

As members of the firearms industry review and consider yesterday’s election results and the new face of our Congress, we are reminding all NSSF voting members of the importance in attending the 2011 NSSF Congressional Fly-In (April 6-7). This annual event serves as an opportunity to meet with the country’s new lawmakers and educate them on issues affecting our industry, such as protecting the right of sportsmen to shoot traditional ammunition and combating firearms microstamping legislation. Learn more about the NSSF Congressional Fly-In.

NSSF is also encouraging all industry members to reach out to recently elected lawmakers and invite them to tour your factory or store. There is no better opportunity to demonstrate the economic impact you deliver.”