Jefferson City - Recently the Supreme Court affirmed the right of individuals to have guns for self-defense in their home. The court’s historic decision brought a curious mixed response from Missouri Democrats. So, today the Missouri Republican Party announces a contest to solicit clarification and bring about transparency on Missouri Democrats’ stances on 2 nd Amendment issues.

Between now and November, Missouri Democrats are invited to submit a press release detailing their position on the rights of Americans to keep and bear arms. For those who do not remember their past statements, the Missouri Republican Party, free of charge, will make available to all participants their past statements. Selection of the winner will be based on each Democrat’s ability to show that their support or silence is not an attempt to hide from past statements regarding the 2 nd Amendment. The winner will not be known as a hypocrite or having used this issue to pander for political favor.

“Jay Nixon, Sam Page, and Kay Barnes were quick to praise the high court’s decision.  Their praise is very curious considering their unabashedly liberal records on this issue, as well as previous statements made that would lead you to believe that the court’s ruling would leave them less than pleased.  Robin Carnahan, Claire McCaskill, Susan Montee and all the Democrat candidates running for the 9th Congressional District have all remained uncharacteristically silent,” said Tina Hervey communications director of the Missouri Republican Party.  “This silence and unexpected support for the protection of Missourians’ 2nd Amendment rights is shocking because it appears as if Democrats have abandoned their desire for stricter gun laws – perhaps they’re all following Senator Obama’s lead in flip-flopping on the issue.  In order to avoid any confusion which may be caused by what is a drastic change in positions, the Missouri Republican Party asks all statewide-elected Democrats to clarify their position on the 2nd Amendment.”

“For those who publicly praised the Supreme Court’s decision, like Jay Nixon, who was once praised by former President Clinton for supporting his anti-Second Amendment agenda that included the Brady Bill and the controversial assault weapons ban –are we to understand that now he is committed to do everything possible to protect Missourians’ Second Amendment rights?”

“And for those who continue to remain curiously silent, are they hiding their Clinton-era gun control advocacy in an effort to have their cake and eat it too by hoping
that by being silent they will not isolate the Democrat base or generate laughter from conservative and independent voters who know the real truth?”

Please send submissions to Tina Hervey with the Missouri Republican Party at tina@mogop.org. Good Luck, everyone - and let the games begin.