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Right to bear Arms
“I am supporting Governor Romney because he is the candidate who will protect our Constitutional rights and strengthen our nation.” Craig Sandler — 10 year NRA Executive Director (retired) (for full quote - click here) |
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Platform
(Philosophy |
Strategy) |
Record
(Pro-gun Legislation |
Anti-gun Legislation |
Other Actions) |
Myths |
Statements
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Record on
the issues Statements & Endorsements
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Gun Owners’ Action League — Record of Success
Massachusetts — Firearms Reform Bill
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| • | Instructs the Executive Director of the Criminal History Systems Board to make the Firearms Identification Card and the License To Carry a Firearm the same size as a driver`s license; |
| • | Changes the term of a Firearms Identification Card and a License to Carry to six years; |
| • | Creates a grace period of 90 days, if the Firearms Identification Card or License to Carry holder applies for renewal before the expiration date, and if the application for renewal is not denied; |
| • | Creates a Firearms Licensing Review Board. Applicants disqualified by a misdemeanor record, from obtaining a License To Carry or Firearms Identification Card, may file a petition for review of eligibility with the board, five years after conviction, adjudication, commitment, probation or parole; |
| • | and in the case where an officer is confiscating the guns of a person with an expired license, requires the officer to provide a written inventory and receipt for all guns. |
“...
“NRA members should be very pleased in knowing that their efforts to educate and work with their local representatives and senators resulted in a successful reform action.
“Thanks to you and the Gun Owners` Action League, lawful gun owners can now take advantage of this first set of real reforms in over five years.”
“This week, Governor Mitt Romney (R) signed S.2255, a bill addressing a conflict in Massachusetts law concerning the difference between a loaded and unloaded muzzleloading shotgun or rifle...
“The bill contained an "emergency preamble". Under normal circumstances a bill does not become law until 90 days after the governor signs it. With the emergency preamble, the bill became law immediately. On behalf of our members, we would like to thank the Gun Owners Action League as well as Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester) and Representative George Peterson (R-Worcester-9) for their special efforts in seeing this bill through the legislative process in time for the upcoming muzzleloader season.”
“In November 2005, Governor Romney signed legislation... simplifying the gun laws in Massachusetts... Hunters now no longer face the lengthy, complex and unnecessary task of cleaning the barrel every time they encounter a public way, nor will they unknowingly violate the law by only removing a gun's priming device.
“GOAL Executive Director James Wallace: "This new law addresses a conflict that had previously caused great concern in those who use traditional muzzle loading rifles and shotguns. Now they confidently know what is expected of them and can enjoy their heritage without the fear of being prosecuted for violating a poorly written law." ”
“Governor Romney supported and signed into law legislation that clarified the term "loaded gun" so that hunters wouldn't have to unload their guns every time they crossed a public road in pursuit of game.”
“Chapter 137 of the Acts of 2005: An Act Relative to a Loaded Shotgun or Rifle
“Prior to this bill passing there were two different laws on the books in Massachusetts that defined what a loaded muzzle loader was. This bill corrected the language in the laws so that now both provide that if the priming device is removed, the muzzle loader is considered unloaded. Although this bill sounds like a “no brainer” it took nearly 5 years to pass.”
“On July 26, Governor Mitt Romney (R) signed H. 4552, which makes exemptions for the makers of customized target pistols, who, due to a provision within state law, have found it increasingly difficult to do business in Massachusetts...
“This common-sense change to the law will enable target pistol manufacturers to do business in the state and allow enthusiasts to practice their sport.”
“Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has signed legislation that now requires all new hunters to successfully pass a basic hunter education course as a prerequisite for purchasing a hunting license... The legislation was proposed by the Worcester County League of Sportsmen and was supported by the Gun Owner’s Action League, and it actually restores a requirement that existed prior to 1998.”
“The Hunter Education bill, S.469, was signed into law by Governor Mitt Romney on July 6, 2006.
“The new law will require that all first time hunters complete a hunter education course prior to being issued a hunting or sporting license. This was already the law prior to very confusing language that was passed in SECTION 7 of Chapter 180 of the Acts of 1998. GOAL successfully had an amendment included to amend the bill to “grandfather” anyone who has been issued a license prior to January 1, 2007.”
| “2006 | * Chapter 137 - The Hunter Education Bill ... Approved by the Governor, July 6, 2006 |
| “2006 | * Chapter 177 An Act further regulating the use of target shooting weapons (see House, No. 4552, amended). Approved by the Governor, July 21, 2006 (Exempted target pistols from current laws.)” |
ANTI-GUN LEGISLATION:
Governor Romney worked to prevent and remove anti-gun legislation from being passed by the legislature. His and others efforts, along with his promise of a veto, prevented any anti-gun legislation from being passed by the state legislature during his term in office.
“Legislation: During the Romney Administration, no anti-second amendment or anti-sportsmen legislation made its way to the Governor’s desk...
“His administration also worked with Gun Owners’ Action League and the Democratic leadership of the Massachusetts House and Senate to remove any anti-second amendment language from the Gang Violence bill passed in 2006. A summary of this legislation follows...
“Chapter 48 of the Acts of 2006: An Act Reducing Gang Violence (Section 6 – committing or concealing a crime) ... there were several anti-second amendment sections in the original draft. The legislative sponsors of the bill, GOAL, and the Romney administration all worked together to remove any bad sections. We were successful in doing so and actually came up with some new language that more affectively went after the criminal element.”
“We had an effort in Massachusetts on the part of some to ban 50 caliber rifles. I opposed that, indicated I would oppose that ban. You know, I think we have to be very careful in any way restricting Second Amendment rights.” (Mitt Romney)
GROVER NORQUIST from the board of directors of the NRA:
“Guns and Romney. Romney's position on guns is flawless ... I went and worked with the governor back when the D's were planning on passing a restriction on 50 caliber rifles in Massachusetts. And he committed to me that he would oppose any restrictions… his position is fine.”
OTHER ACTIONS:
Proclamations:
“During his administration, Governor Romney issued a proclamation declaring May 7, 2005 as “The Right to Bear Arms Day”. The proclamation was issued on this date to coincide with GOAL’s Annual Banquet.”
“ • On the 31st anniversary of the Gun Owner's Action League, Governor Romney declared May 7, 2005 as The Right to Bear Arms Day in Massachusetts.”
"I also designated May 7 as “The Right to Bear Arms Day” in Massachusetts to honor “the right of decent, law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms in defense of their families, persons, and property and for all lawful purposes, including the common defense.” "
Appointments:
“One of the agencies that GOAL [Gun Owners’ Action League] watches very closely is the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife... Governor Romney made five appointments to this board [of seven people]. All of the individuals appointed to the board were supported by GOAL.”
Budgetary, Regulations and Fees:
The governor tried to hold the legislature down on the amount of license fee increases they made, but they increased the fees by 50% more than he proposed. He then used his executive powers to provide free replacement of firearms licenses and successfully worked with gun-rights groups to get legislation that increased the term of the licenses by 50%. He also waived other gun related fees.
Also, after a political foo-paw, he was able to not only restore funding to the fish and game fund, but increase funding to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and also use capital revenue to acquire land for the division. All these actions were supported by and beneficial to gun owners and their represented gun-rights groups.
The following explains that Governor Romney was:
“able to restore the Fund and increase the money released from it to better manage the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Over the next three years, GOAL was also successful in getting some “capital revenue” released to acquire land for the Division.
“Regulations: During his administration, the Executive Office of Public Safety passed a new regulation providing free replacement of firearm licenses to those who had them stolen or lost. (A resident license fee in Massachusetts at that time was $100 every 6 years.) Prior to this new regulation a citizen would have to repeat the entire application process and pay the whole fee to acquire a replacement license...
“Fees: In 2003 Governor Romney filed budgetary language to raise firearm license fees from $25 to $75. That year the legislature actually raised them to $100 in the General Appropriations bill (Section 34 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2003). At that time a resident license was good for 4 years. In 2004 a law was passed increasing the license term to 6 years.
“In 2005, Governor Romney waived the administrative fees for the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund. The state currently charges these fees that were as much as 36% a year. Gun Owners’ Action League worked with environmental organizations to urge the Governor to temporarily waive the fees until permanent legislation could be passed to do away with the fees all together.”
“Governor Romney Signed Into Law A Provision Providing Free Replacement Licenses.”
SUMMARY:
“As governor I worked closely with the NRA and The Gun Owners Action League to advance legislation that expanded the rights of gun owners in my state. And my door was always open to you, and that will continue to be the case if I am elected president.
“Together we reduced burdensome bureaucratic regulations. We made it easier for people to exercise their constitutional rights.” (Mitt Romney)
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| MYTHS: | |||||||||||||
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MYTH #1 - Signed anti-gun legislation creating assault weapons ban: This is a myth propagated by the Boston Globe and other main-stream media outlets. Regarding the legislation the myth refers to, the NRA declared: “Here are just some of the points that the media (including The Boston Globe) got wrong...“Myth: The gun ban was extended...
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| MASSACHUSETTS PRO-GUNNERS' AND NRA LEADERS' STATEMENTS: | |||||||||||||
Gun Owners’ Action League — The Romney Record“GOAL [Gun Owners’ Action League] had more access to this administration than any other since the days of Governor Ed King in 1979... senior level Romney staffers met on a monthly basis with GOAL’s Executive Director to discuss and work on any issues relevant to GOAL’s members. This should not be taken as an indication that GOAL “controlled” the corner office, but rather that a very good working relationship was developed that benefited both parties. “During the Romney Administration, no anti-second amendment or anti-sportsmen legislation made its way to the Governor’s desk. “Governor Romney did sign five pro-second amendment/pro-sportsmen bills into law.” “Gun Owners’ Action League is the official state firearms association in Massachusetts... “GOAL works hard to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights against those in Massachusetts who wish to infringe upon the freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers... “We were formed in 1974 to protect the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are recognized as the state's premier gun rights association... “Every intrusion on our gun rights is an intrusion on all rights. The Constitutional rights and freedoms that you enjoy - and may take for granted - are becoming more fragile each day. Secure your rights for yourself, your family and future generations... “Gun Owners’ Action League is a grassroots organization whose members actively participate in the many facets of protecting our Second Amendment rights and passing on the shooting sports traditions... “GOAL publishes materials to bring the truth about gun ownership to the public, the legislature and our members. We also promote public education and junior shooting opportunities through our 501(c)3 sister organization, The GOAL Foundation.” Mitt Romney - 2nd Amendment Support“LIVETOSHOOT,my brother lives in MA. he is a ret.marine and has the utmost respect for ROMNEY. he has told me how it was before he got in, how hard it was to get a gun or pistol, but ROMNEY got the laws changed to make it a little easier. he didn't get all of them like he wanted, [some are still banned] but it is a lot better now.” “Thus far in my research, everything I've located on Mitt Romney, personal and political, shows his integrity isn't for trade or sale. His record shows him to be very honest and upright... “So, everything I've read about Mitt Romney, from credible sources, shows he does what he says he will do and how he says he will do it. This info comes from people who actually know and have actually worked with him, personally and publicly. “In today's political landscape, Mitt Romney's personal and political integrity is exceptional and uniquely good... “My research into presidential candidates has shown that Mitt Romney, while serving as governor in the liberal state of Massachusetts, upheld our conservative American constitutional laws/rights time and again. His voting record speaks for itself, and successfully passes the test for political integrity. Nowhere can I find any indication of impropriety or fraudulent activity.” (LiveToShoot, GunAndGame.com 28 Principles of Liberty) Grover Norquist —
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“In endorsing Governor Romney, Craig Sandler said, "Throughout his career in both the public and private sectors, Mitt Romney has demonstrated exceptional leadership ability, integrity, and commitment to principle. As a New Hampshire resident, former law enforcement officer, and avid sportsman, I am supporting Governor Romney because he is the candidate who will protect our Constitutional rights and strengthen our nation." ...
“Craig Sandler Was The Executive Director Of General Operations For The National Rifle Association (NRA) From 1996 - 2005. Prior to that, he was the head of the NRA's Law Enforcement Activities Division (LEAD) which provides law enforcement training with firearm instructor schools and hosts a central database of firearm information available to law enforcement agencies and their firearm instructors around the country. Prior to joining the NRA, Sandler was a police officer in Nashua, New Hampshire, eventually retiring as Chief. He is also an avid hunter and sportsman.”
(A neighboring state in New England, New Hampshire is in the same media market, receiving much of the same T.V. and news coverage as Massachusetts, enabling Mr. Sandler to become familiar first hand with Gov. Romney's actions as governor.)
"Keene, who endorsed Romney on Thursday, tells Newsmax that Romney is a “good conservative” and “the best of the bunch.” ...
"Among conservatives, no one is more highly respected than Keene. As second vice president of the National Rifle Association, he will automatically become president of the organization in three and a half years...
"On the major issues, Romney is “right on,” Keene said. “The most important thing with these candidates is, when they give you their word in a campaign, that word is credible.” "
"David Keene was elected first vice president. Keene was first elected to the NRA Board of Directors in 2000 and most recently acted as second vice president. An attorney, political activist and columnist, Keene has written, spoken and lobbied on behalf of hunters, shooters and firearms owners for decades."
"Since December 1984, David A. Keene has been the Chairman of the American Conservative Union, the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative lobbying organization... he has been Southern Regional Political Director for Ronald Reagan’s 1976 presidential campaign... Most recently he advised Governor Mitt Romney in his 2008 Presidential race."
“Endorsing Governor Romney, Governor Blunt said, "Mitt Romney's strong conservative principles are right for America. He is a strong leader and a proven problem solver – in private business, the Olympics, and as Governor. Governor Romney lives the American values that we cherish. I believe he has a great vision for the future of the United States." ”
“Blunt is an avid outdoorsman and hunter, and a member of the National Rifle Association. As governor, he advocated for and signed bills improving Missouri's right-to-carry law, allowing citizens to better defend their homes from intruders, safe-guarding shooting ranges from frivolous lawsuits, and protecting vital wildlife habitat and hunting lands from over-development.[29][30] Blunt signed legislation prohibiting the seizure of firearms during declared states of emergency at the NRA's annual meeting, held in St. Louis in 2007.”
Gov. Blunt was elected to the NRA Board of Directors in 2010 (twitter), joining another elected official, a former U.S. Senator serving on the board. That senator also had a favorable view on Gov. Romney's gun position, stating:
“Gov. Mitt Romney has announced his candidacy for president, and I support him. He has a record of standing up for ordinary Americans — people who are starting businesses, looking for jobs, building families, and enjoying the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
“Those freedoms are under constant attack, and perhaps none is more threatened than the rights guaranteed to us by the Second Amendment: The right to bear arms.
“Romney understands that this right can be abridged in multiple ways — gun laws can be written poorly, giving desk-based bureaucrats the ability to take away a gun license from a law-abiding individual.
“Gun laws can be applied indiscriminately, forcing sportsmen to become gun law experts when they head out into the field. Gun laws drafted by people who have never held a firearm but are beholden to the anti-gun lobby can impinge on the enjoyment ordinary Americans have in visiting a gun range or enjoying America's natural beauty.
“How do I know Romney understands these things? Because I've studied his record — and it's impressive. As governor, he took real, meaningful steps to affirm our right to bear arms...
“In 2004, Romney signed a sweeping reform of Massachusetts' gun laws that made the state's gun laws far less onerous for sportsmen. He established a firearm license review board to review cases of those applying to have their licenses restore, so that a single bureaucrat no longer could determine whether someone was fit to carry a firearm. He extended the term of firearm licenses from four to six years. He reinstated a 90-day grace period for citizens renewing their gun licenses, and later signed a law providing free replacement licenses.
“And then in 2005, Romney supported and signed into law legislation that clarified the definition of a loaded muzzleloader, so that hunters would understand exactly the safety precautions expected of them...
“And as governor, he has made his sentiments clear for all to see.
“In 2005, Romney declared the 31st anniversary of the Gun Owners' Action League "Right to Bear Arms" Day in the Commonwealth — a pleasant change of pace from most liberal states, where hunters and sportsmen are made to feel like outcasts, even though they support through fees and their participation a significant amount of rural land preservation.
“Fact is, if Romney just talked about his support for the Second Amendment and the rights of gun owners, that would be welcome. But Romney has been doing more than talking — he has been taking action for several years, and his approach would be a welcome addition to the gun debates in Washington, D.C.”
“Congress is prepared to enact the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. It is sponsored by some of the most ardent Second Amendment backers in Congress, including Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL).”
“Larry Craig is serving his third term as a United States Senator from Idaho. Senator Craig quickly rose to the fourth highest Senate leadership position in his first term...
“A forceful advocate for common sense and conservative solutions to our nation's problems, Senator Craig has emerged as a leader in the battle for the Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, limited taxation, private property rights, and greater accountability in government. He has been recognized by national groups including Citizens for a Sound Economy, Citizens Against Government Waste, Watchdogs of the Treasury, and the National Taxpayers Union Foundation for his votes to cut spending and protect the taxpayer...
“The Idaho lawmaker is on the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association”.
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