NRA members are more active in the political process than ever, and Maine politicians are taking notice. At recent Public Hearings on a slew of anti-gun bills, lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum took to the mic to discuss the NRA's highly successful grassroots mobilization efforts.
During his testimony supporting his bill that would serve as the first step to ban lead ammunition in Maine, Rep. William "Bill" Bridgeo (D-Augusta) noted that several hundred NRA members had contacted him in opposition to his bill. Despite this massive outpouring of opposition, Rep. Bridgeo remained steadfast in his support of potential California-style ammunition bans, which would raise hunting costs for over 200,000 hunters in Maine, 850+ of whom live in his district. While the Augusta-area politician said that contacting him is a "waste of time", pro-hunting lawmakers have taken Mainers' concerns to heart and have announced they will vote against this measure.
While this week the mobilization of NRA members took center stage in the debate surrounding hunting rights, last month, the political force of the NRA was on full display for the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. NRA members put on a full-court press to influence the outcomes of several high-profile gun bills. This included a "Maine Lobby Day" where NRA members showed up to testify in opposition on a slew of extreme gun-control measures. This mobilization was noted in the committee, with lawmakers citing testimony from attendees and requesting that NRA members speak as expert witnesses during the Work Session. Pro-gun lawmaker Rep. Rachel Henderson (R-Rumford) also cited that she had received several hundred emails opposing the progressive push to implement a magazine ban, redefine semi-automatic firearms to "machine guns," and create new restrictions on building and repairing firearms in your home. This massive grassroots mobilization dealt a major bipartisan blow to this extreme gun-control package, resulting in an "Ought Not To Pass" majority report for the magazine bill and the tabling of other anti-gun bills of interest.
Simply put, the grassroots mobilization of NRA members is working, and Maine politicians are taking notice. The NRA would like to thank all of our incredible members who are active in the fight to protect their rights. From emailing lawmakers to joining their fellow gun-rights supporters at Maine Lobby Days and everything in between, YOU are the Gun Lobby and the key to protecting and preserving our sacred Constitutional rights.
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