NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 10, No. 51 12/19/2003

PRESIDENT BUSH MEETS WITH NRA TO DISCUSS SPORTSMEN`S ISSUES

On December 12, President George W. Bush invited the NRA, along with 20 other sportsmen`s organizations, to the White House to discuss issues of concern to hunters and sportsmen. Also attending the meeting were Interior Secretary Gale Norton and Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. During this meeting, the President reaffirmed his personal commitment to hunting, fishing, and sportsmen`s issues. Additionally, Secretaries Norton and Veneman, along with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Steve Williams, presented an overview of Bush Administration wildlife and conservation initiatives, including the opening of 50 additional National Wildlife Refuges to hunting and fishing. Also discussed was the need for the Administration to work with folks in local communities, including local gun clubs, when formulating new policies that impact hunting lands, such as increased exploration of natural resources.

"We were pleased to hear President Bush express both his steadfast support for America`s hunting traditions and his recognition of the economic contribution that sportsmen make to the economy," said David Lehman, NRA-ILA Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel. "It is refreshing to see a President and an Administration that supports America`s sportsmen, and actively works to increase hunting opportunities and hunter access to federal lands. We look forward to continuing to work with President Bush and his Administration on these important issues."

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ELECTION WORKSHOPS

In preparation for the 2004 elections, NRA-ILA is hosting FREE Grassroots-Election Workshops across the country. These Workshops provide NRA members with training on what they can do locally to ensure pro-gun candidates are elected to office in 2004. The meetings also provide a venue for lawmakers, candidates, and their staffs to reach out to NRA members and explain their positions on our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

Upcoming Workshops are slated for:

Folsom, Cal. - 1/15/04

Frederick, Md. - 1/24/04

NRA members who are interested in attending should contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) for details and to reserve their spots. NRA members who have access to the Internet can also go to http://www.nraila.org/workshops/ to reserve their spots on-line.

Even if you cannot attend a Workshop, or none is scheduled near you, there is still plenty you can do to help ensure victory for the pro-gun community during this election cycle. To assist you, NRA-ILA has designated an individual in almost every congressional district (known as an NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator [EVC]) who stands ready to plug you into ongoing campaign activities. The EVC in your district is a fellow NRA member who is working to provide pro-gun campaigns in your state and area with volunteers to help with phone banks, literature drops, voter registration drives, precinct walks, Get Out The Vote and Election Day activities, and other volunteer campaign activities. To locate your EVC so you can prepare to begin working on pro-freedom campaigns, please call ILA Grassroots at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or log on to our website at www.NRAILA.org, and click on the "Get Involved Locally" section. If your district currently has a vacancy for an EVC, and you would like to serve in this capacity, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division and ask to speak with the Grassroots Coordinator for your state.

STAY INFORMED & HELP SAVE ILA FUNDS

If you have an e-mail address, but you still receive the NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert every Friday via fax, we encourage you to switch over to our e-mail system. We can send e-mail at virtually no cost, while each fax incurs the cost of a long distance call, not to mention your cost in paper. E-mail also allows you more flexibility in relaying our information to others. If you would like to switch to e-mail delivery, just go to www.NRAILA.org, then follow the instructions through the link called "Sign Up For Email." Once you start receiving our alerts via e-mail, call the Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683, and let us know so we can take you off the fax system.

A LOOK AT THE STATES

MISSOURI

In good news for Missouri gun owners, on December 18, a St. Louis judge denied another constitutional challenge to the new Right-to-Carry law. The same cabal of anti-gun groups and politicians that first claimed the Missouri Constitution outlaws concealed carry has now tried three times to add a second constitutional challenge. The latest claim was that the law violates the Missouri Constitution`s section banning unfunded mandates. Judge Steven Ohmer, the same judge who allowed the original challenge, denied the group`s claim, allowing the current appeal to go forward as scheduled. Set to take effect in October, the new Right-to-Carry law has been on hold since October 7, when Judge Ohmer ruled in favor of a claim by anti-gun groups that the law was unconstitutional. State Attorney General Jay Nixon (D) and his staff have been instrumental in defending the new Right-to-Carry law, along with NRA attorneys. The Court will hear the case January 22.

MONTANA

The must-read book for gun owners in Montana will soon be released. "Gun Laws of Montana", written by Montana Shooting Sports Association President, Gary Marbut, has been hailed by NRA Executive Vice-President Wayne LaPierre as "a powerful resource." The book will be available to the public on December 22. For information on how to obtain the book, go to www.mtpublish.com.

NEW MEXICO

The New Mexico Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on January 5 regarding the legal challenge to the state`s Right-to-Carry law. NRA has been asked to intervene in the case and has filed a brief with the Court disputing claims opponents have made that the law would make children in the state less safe. We`ll keep you informed as the situation develops.

NORTH CAROLINA

Last week, Delaware and North Carolina announced that they will recognize each other`s Right-to-Carry permits. This will bring a total of 20 states which have reciprocity agreements with North Carolina since Right-to-Carry was signed into law.

OHIO

On December 11, the General Assembly passed HB 12, which would allow law-abiding citizens, who have satisfied a criminal background check and taken a training course, to obtain a permit to carry a handgun concealed for personal protection. The bill is now headed to Governor Taft`s (R) desk. Please call Governor Taft and respectfully urge him to sign this bill into law! You can contact the Governor by phone at (614) 644-4357 or e-mail him at governor.taft@das.state.oh.us

[Editor`s Note: Due to the Christmas holiday, next week`s Grassroots Alert will be transmitted on Wednesday, December 24.]