Santorum touts gun stand - Touring PA with LaPierre

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06298/732722-177.stm

U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum traveled across the state yesterday showcasing an endorsement from the National Rifle Association, an asset whose value will be tested in his uphill battle against Democratic challenger Bob Casey.

The state of Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of licensed hunters. Its roughly 300,000 NRA members constitute the largest per capita representation of NRA members in the nation, according to Charles Cox., executive director of the group's political action committee.

One of the reasons that Mr. Casey's candidacy was attractive to Democratic leaders, however, was their calculation that his opposition to gun control would moot an issue that has caused the defections of socially conservative Democratic voters.

As Mr. Casey tried to bolster his 2nd Amendment credentials, his bus tour this summer was studded with visits to hunters' groups.

Wayne LaPierre, the NRA's chief executive officer, traveled the state with Mr. Santorum yesterday. At the Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen's Club, he acknowledged Mr. Casey's general support for 2nd Amendment rights, but said that the group's choice was clear, based on Mr. Santorum's record in Congress.

<snip>

While Mr. Santorum posed for photographs and autographed bumper stickers that read, "I'd rather be hunting with Rick Santorum,"

Ricky's getting really, really, desparate. As an aside, I'm a gun owner and compete in handgun competitions. Last weekend I drove through Westmoreland, Indiana, Cambria and Blair Counties and I also had a business trip through Butler, Mercer, Crawford and Erie Counties which should be Santorum country. I saw almost no Santorum signs and a spattering of Casey, Rendell and Murtha signs. Not a good sign for Ricky. I have seen 2 big billboards with Ricky holding a broken over shotgun over his shoulder sponsored by Sportsmen for Santorum. I can't envision Santorum as a hunter. I bet he doesn't hunt except for show. Personally I think he'd look like a wuss in the field.

[rep the dems]

1. We have the most hunters in the U.S?

Crap.

[benEzra]

7. Hunting guns aren't really the issue, though...

it's nonhunting guns (small-caliber carbines with modern styling, full-sized handguns, defensive-style shotguns) that have been the big issue since the early '90s.

If Casey opposes the "assault weapon" bait-and-switch, he'll probably be OK. If he comes across as a "gun rights for hunters only" type, though, then the gun issue could hurt him badly, since 4 out of 5 gun owners are nonhunters.

Dems and the Gun Issue - Now What?

[saltpoint]

2. I think the U.S. Senate will be a much healthier environment without

Rick Santorum.

I hope Casey crushes him at the polls in 13 days.

[John1956PA]

3. In September, I posted that *rum would play the NRA card near the end.

He did it effectively in 2006 with giant billboards extolling that he would be "protecting our freedoms." Not to worry, if we get our base out, we can overcome the gun-lover vote.

[RamboLiberal]

4. Like I said I've only seen two big Ricky with shotgun

billboards in W. PA area - though I'm sure there are a few more around. Funny thing, while the damn W stickers are on the cars at the gun clubs I haven't seen any sporting a Santorum. I did see one or two Swanns.

[John1956PA]

5. My mistake, I meant to type "2000."

RamboLiberal, my hat is off to you for your competitive shooting which requires much practice and a combination of several skills.

Also, I somewhat regret using the term "gun-lover" in my post, since it has a negative connotation which should not be applied to many gun owners who, like you, are not single-issue voters.

Regarding this last minute push by the NRA for Santorum, it is my understanding that the NRA has energized its membership by making dire warnings that gun manufacturers are at risk of going insolvent unless key senators like Santorum can protect the industry against lawsuits. In 2004, the PA-04 Representative, Melissa Hart (Republican), issued campaign fliers which proclaimed her absolute opposition to lawsuits against the gun industry. I guess my point is that the Republicans' promise to protect the gun industry is a strategy which can win them votes with gun owners who are single-issue voters when it comes to this matter.

[AnnieBW]

6. I Hope Ricky Goes Hunting

With Cheney! :D

[radfringe]

8. heh on the bumper sticker

"I'd rather be hunting with Rick Santorum,"

Might I offer this slight editorial change?

"I'd rather be hunting Rick Santorum,"