Today’s politician simply can’t be moderate when it comes to the issue of gun control, if new campaign tactics are anything to go by. The issue of gun rights vs. gun control is so divisive that both sides are focusing attention on courting their potential supporters, whether pro-gun or pro-control.
Republicans Court Voters With Gun Giveaways
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has run firearm sweepstakes going on thirty years, but in the realm of politics, such tactics are relatively new. Now, Republican candidates across the country are discovering that holding sweepstakes for the chance to win a gun is an effective way to reach voters that share their values. Sweepstakes like this not only grab voters’ attention but also speak directly to their passionate stance on gun rights and the 2nd Amendment.
Entrants have been in the running for a Beretta 92A1 from state Representative Joe Carr, running for the Tennessee Senate; an AR-15 rifle from state Senator Lee Bright, running for the South Carolina Senate; and a Colt Marine Corps 1911 Rail Pistol or a Colt Magpul 6920 from U.S. Representative Paul Broun, running for the Georgia Senate.
Not one but two Colorado politicians hoping to run for governor, state Senator Greg Brophy (who did not end on the ballot) and former Congressman Tom Tancredo (who did) also tried it. The “Greg Brophy Gun Club Giveaway” awarded a tricked-out Smith & Wesson M&P15 rifle. High-profile gun rights enthusiast and musician Ted Nugent helped Tancredo by giving away an AR-15 rifle.
All the potential voters have to do is hand over their contact information and be prepared to expect future requests for campaign contributions. Winners are subject to background checks and receive the firearms through licensed dealers.
Michael Bloomberg Pledges $50 Million in Gun Control Efforts
Opposing the gun rights camp is the gun control camp, with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg taking the lead. Bloomberg has long been involved in gun control groups, but recently took a big step by announcing his intention to spend approximately $50 million on building a nationwide network of gun control advocates. Two groups – Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America – have joined together to form the new group Everytown for Gun Safety.
Bloomberg plans to court a particular demographic: women, especially mothers. Instead of trying to get federal laws passed that increase restrictions on gun ownership, the new initiative will focus on improving the scope and efficiency of background checks. The group hopes to add 1 million more members to its existing 1.5 million members within the year.
Bloomberg drew criticism last year for his approach to gun control. In addition to speaking out against Republicans who differ from him on the issue of guns, he has done the same to fellow Democrats whom he didn’t believe went far enough to support his agenda.
