Statement Of Paul Helmke On The NRA And Bob McDonnell

Sep 14, 2009

Washington, DC - Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, issued the following statement on the endorsement of Bob McDonnell for Virginia Governor by the National Rifle Association:

"When it comes to the gun issue, the people of Virginia should know that there's basically one critical issue that separates the two major party candidates for Governor of Virginia: Closing the loophole that allows dangerous people to purchase dangerous weapons without a background check. That's what todays endorsement of Bob McDonnell by the National Rifle Association is all about.

"Creigh Deeds agrees with the families of the victims of Virginia Tech that the most dangerous people, prohibited by law from purchasing guns from federally licensed gun dealers, shouldn't be able to get around those laws by buying them from non-licensed gun sellers at weapons bazaars. Bob McDonnell, who now refuses to acknowledge that this gaping loophole in Virginia gun laws even exists, appears eager to do whatever the gun lobby wants him to. Thats playing politics with public safety, and the voters should judge the candidates accordingly."

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Resources:

A. Sen. Deeds on closing the gun show loophole in Virginia, in his own words:

* "I'm determined to get the gun show loophole closed when I'm Governor." 1

* "I think it will take somebody like me, with a strong Second Amendment background, to bring people together to create consensus around ideas like closing the gun show loophole." 2

B. Families and survivors of the Virginia Tech massacre have called on their elected officials to make it harder for dangerous people to avoid criminal background checks at gun shows. According to the Rasmussen poll, fully 76% of Virginians agree with them.3

C. U.S. Senator Mark Warner recently said the NRA has been "hijacked by those who are in the extreme."4

1 Democratic Governor's Primary Debate, April 29. Sponsored by The Collegiate Times, Huffington Post, FireDogLake.com and Not Larry Sabato. http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1445358/highlight/858

2 Democratic Governor's Primary Debate, June 3. Sponsored by WJLA-TV, Politico and YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f5Idm2cYbA

3 http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2009/virginia/toplines/toplines_virginia_governor_election_april_15_2009

4 http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/53047-baucus-quickly-backtracks-will-support-sotomayor

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The Brady Campaign is the nation's largest citizens' lobby to prevent gun violence. We represent the voice of the overwhelming majority of Americans who are tired of living with the constant tragedy of gun violence and are in favor of strong laws and policies that will save lives. We are the light that exposes politicians who are putting the American people at risk, empowering the American people to hold them accountable for decisions and actions that undermine public safety.

We are driven by the focused vision of a nation where all Americans are safe at home, at work, at school, and in our communities.

Dan Gross is the President of the Brady Campaign and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. A photo and more information about Dan Gross is available here.

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