Of the groups dedicated to preserving our Second Amendment rights, the NRA is generally thought of as the gold standard. Some gun rights advocates will disagree, but it’s probably safe to say that if the NRA doesn’t like a candidate, other gun rights groups won’t like them either.
For the 97th Assembly District primary, I actually find the range in scores surprising:
“AQ” means that the candidate filled out the questionnaire satisfactorily but does not have a voting record to judge.
I asked each of the candidates on Tuesday to offer a reaction to the NRA rating.
Alderman Aaron Perry says that if he’s elected, “everyone’s guns are safe.” The reason Perry did not receive an AQ rating from the NRA is that he supports background checks for private gun sales. If not for that position, Perry says he was told he would receive the AQ rating.
Joe Banske gave me a much longer explanation why he received a low score, too long to reproduce here. (Ask a simple question…) However, he also currently supports a universal background check. He also supports maintaining the 48 hour waiting period even if instant background checks are available. I have uploaded his questionnaire and his rather lengthy explanation. I’m guessing it’s a good thing the NRA didn’t see the long version.
Brandon Rosner was the first to bring his AQ rating to my attention.
“I have been hunting since I was 12, but the 2nd Amendment is bigger than that. Our right to bear arms is essential to keeping us a free and secure people. I am pleased to have received an ‘AQ’ rating from the NRA, and I appreciate the organization’s acknowledgement that I support safe and responsible gun ownership rights. If elected to the State Assembly, I will work to ensure our 2nd Amendment rights are not degraded.”
Scott Allen said of his AQ rating, “We protect freedom by protecting the Second Amendment. When I am in the legislature, I will protect our freedom, including the Second Amendment.”
Finally, Vince Trovato said of his AQ rating, “As a strong believer in Second Amendment rights and individual liberty I am very pleased to receive the highest rating possible from the NRA. I have had a passion for hunting, firearms, and the outdoors since going on my first hunt with my dad, brother and uncle as a high school student at Waukesha West and hope to continue to enjoy this great Wisconsin tradition with my own children and grandchildren someday. Hunting and the outdoors is a vital part of our shared culture and strengthens our family bonds. As a hunter, gun-owner, and fellow citizen I believe that Constitutional rights are non-negotiable and must never be infringed upon by government. While working in the State Legislature I was honored to have the opportunity to travel to Wausau and stand next to Governor Walker as he signed Concealed Carry into law in the summer of 2011. I am confident that my values and commitment to liberty are a direct reflection of the community that I seek to represent, and that as a third-generation Waukesha resident I can speak to these fundamental principles. The high rating from the NRA coupled with my endorsement yesterday by Pro-Life Wisconsin {Monday -JW} reflect my core principles and speak to my determination to uphold our conservative values. I look forward to being your next State Representative and defending these rights vigorously after I am elected to the Assembly.”
Waukesha Alderman Kathleen Cummings did not submit a questionnaire nor did she respond to my request for a comment.
7/17/14 7:20 PM I spoke with Alderman Kathleen Cummings this evening at her fundraiser and she says the NRA has her questionnaire. As soon as they update their scorecard I will post an update.
