Resources

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Senators Up For Re-election in 2014 that need to be converted or replaced

The following is a list of Senators who are up for reelection in 2014. Where I have knowledge of a Senator's current stance on gun control, I have added that information. If you have received a letter from a Senator on this list expressing support, partial opposition or opposition to additional gun control, please share that informaton with us and I will update the original post to reflect that. This post is not intended to advocate for or against a party in a political fashion but rather just to let Second Amendment minded voters see who is walking the walk. As you can see, the antis are bipartisan in nature.


Alabama - Jeff Sessions (R) - Pro-Second. No current statement found.
Alaska - Mark Begich (D) - CURRENTLY OPPOSING ANY NEW GUN CONTROL MEASURES
Arkansas - Mark Pryor (D) - Gave vague non-answer when recently questioned
Colorado - Mark Udall (D) - SUPPORTS GUN CONTROL
Delaware - Chris Coons (D) - NRA F rating. No current statement found.
Georgia - Saxby Chambliss (R) - Gave vague non-answer in response to pro-2A letter
Hawaii - Brian Schatz (D) - No current statement found
Idaho - Jim Risch (R) - NRA A+ rating. No current statement found.
Illinois - Richard Durbin (D) - SUPPORTS GUN CONTROL
Iowa - Tom Harkin (D) - SUPPORTS GUN CONTROL
Kansas - Pat Roberts (R) - Gave vague non-answer in response to pro-2A letter
Kentucky - Mitch McConnell (R) - Gun control takes a back seat to spending issues
Louisiana - Mary Landrieu (D) - Suggested support for expanding NICS in response to pro-2A letter
Maine - Susan Collins (R) - Supported past AWBs and gave vague statement supporting more gun control
Massachusetts - John Kerry (D) - SUPPORTS GUN CONTROL
Michigan - Carl Levin (D) - SUPPORTS GUN CONTROL
Minnesota - Al Franken (D) - Has supported gun control; but dodged question when asked about more gun control
Mississippi - Thad Cochran (R) - NRA A-rated. No current statement found.
Montana - Max Baucus (D) - We must bring ourselves together for an honest national conversation about every aspect in this terrible attack from assault weapons to the media’s coverage of these events to how we address mental illness
Nebraska - Mike Johanns (R) - SUPPORTS SECOND AMENDMENT
New Hampshire - Jeanne Shaheen (D) - SUPPORTS GUN CONTROL
New Jersey - Frank Lautenberg (D) - SUPPORTS GUN CONTROL or Cory Booker (D) - Supports Registration
New Mexico - Tom Udall (D) - Gave vague non-answer to reporter
North Carolina - Kay Hagan (D) - Supported AWB in 2009 but gave non-commital vague answer to reporter
Oklahoma - Jim Inhofe (R) - NRA A+ rating. No current statement found.
Oregon - Jeff Merkley (D) - Seeking to end filibuster in Senate. Some past gun control support. No current statement found.
Rhode Island - Jack Reed (D) - SUPPORTS GUN CONTROL
South Carolina - Lindsey Graham (R) - SUPPORTS SECOND AMENDMENT
South Carolina (special to replace Jim DeMint) - Tim Scott (R) - SUPPORTS SECOND AMENDMENT
South Dakota - Tim Johnson (D) - No current statement found
Tennessee - Lamar Alexander (R) - SUPPORTS SECOND AMENDMENT
Texas - John Cornyn (R) - NRA A rated - Gave vague non-answer to pro-2A letter
Virginia - Mark Warner (D) - Supported increased NICS checks in recent response letter
West Virginia - OPEN SEAT (Jay Rockefeller retiring)
Wyoming - Mike Enzi (R) - SUPPORTS SECOND AMENDMENT

The guys giving vague answers on either side need to hear from us. They are wobbly and waiting for direction. The guys opposing us vocally already need to go. We need to start planning now how to help their primary opponents and general election opponents in 2014.

 

[CAR-AR]

I contacted both of my senator and my rep and I got one form letter (senator) and nothing my rep.

 

[hso]

Great piece of information to put to use and well worth sticking to the forum!

We can change the information about Alexander since my correspondence with him has been completely specific and supportive of RKBA. No new restrictions, enforcement of current laws, improvement of NICS to avoid issues like Cho, mental health.

Here are two replies to me.

Dear XXXXX,

Thanks very much and letting me know what’s on your mind regarding the right to bear arms.

I’m a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights. Congress should not pass laws that take away these rights from law abiding citizens and leave criminals to terrorize the streets. Good citizens don’t abuse guns – criminals do. I will continue to support legislative efforts to protect the Second Amendment rights of law abiding Americans, and oppose efforts to overturn the Second Amendment.

In two recent cases, the U.S. Supreme Court clearly held that the Second Amendment protects the right of individual Americans to keep and bear arms. In the 2008 case, D.C. v. Heller, the Supreme Court held that D.C.’s restrictive gun laws violated the constitutional rights of Americans. Two years later, in McDonald v. Chicago, the court struck down the city of Chicago’s handgun ban and held that, like the federal government, state and local governments must respect Second Amendment rights. I joined legal briefs in both cases in defense of this constitutional right and was pleased with the Supreme Court’s decisions.

I am grateful you took the time to let me know where you stand. I’ll be sure to keep your comments in mind as Second Amendment rights are discussed and debated in Washington and in Tennessee.

Sincerely,
Lamar

Thank you for sharing your feelings regarding the tragic shootings in Newtown, Connecticut. I was horrified by this attack that left twenty-eight dead. My thoughts and prayers are for the victims and those who now live with their loss.

As we learn more about the tragedy in Newtown, I think we must look closely at the behavior of isolated young men who develop an obsession with violence. We should ask the leaders of the entertainment industry whether they would want their children--or those who might harm their children--to watch the increasingly violent video games and movies that they pour into our culture. This is not the only cause of violence in our society but it is one important cause. Connecticut has strong gun laws. The problem is not with the gun but with the person pulling the trigger.

This is a terrible event for our nation and we must find appropriate ways to respond. I’m grateful you’ve shared your reactions with me and will keep them in mind as we move forward.

 

[GAMALOT]

Writing a letter to my NY Senators would be a complete waste of time and effort.
If Obama was to stop short Schummer would have to be surgically removed and Gillibrand would probably have a broken nose.:banghead::banghead::banghead:

 

[Yo Mama]

Sorry, but IMO, the Senate no longer matters, they will pass it. They have the votes, and the momentum.

The House is the only place to stop it.

 

[Hokkmike]

Yo Mama has got it right! BUT, the Senate must be made to look ahead at the next election cycle.

 

[GAMALOT]

I do agree that Yo Mamma is spot on and also about the next election cycle the D' will have to go through.

Here is some more food for thought. Remember who you voted for when that next election cycle comes around. We are our own worst enemies and somewhere north of 52% of all American voters keep putting these jerk blocks back in office.

 

[Quick Shot xMLx]

Here's the reply I got from Senator Kay Hagan (D) in NC. She has a gift for talking a lot but not saying anything. At the end of the day Hagan is a party hack, she'll vote for whatever the Dem leaders tell her to vote for. She's not going to fight in the trenches for anything but she'll follow like a sheep.

Dear Friend,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the horrific tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue, and my thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and families of this senseless and appalling act of violence.

In the wake of the shooting in Newtown, which left twenty-six innocent members of the community dead, many of them young children, Americans across the country are searching for answers on how we can prevent such tragic events from happening in the future. I believe we must do all we can to put laws and policies in place to prevent future tragedies such as this one. Doing that will require a common-sense debate on a comprehensive approach that examines all relevant issues, including access to firearms, mental healthcare, and the prevalence of violence in video games and media. Additionally, Senator Feinstein has stated her intent to introduce legislation concerning access to firearms at the start of the 113th Congress. To date, that legislation has not been introduced. As always, it is important that we not unnecessarily infringe on the legitimate Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners.

Like you, I have always been an advocate for Second Amendment rights. My family, like the great state of North Carolina, has a long tradition of hunting and gun ownership, and I take great pride in that heritage. During my tenure in the North Carolina Senate I continuously supported the responsible use of firearms. As your United States Senator, I will always be committed to protecting these fundamental, constitutional rights.

Again, thank you for contacting my office. It is truly an honor to represent North Carolina in the United States Senate, and I hope you will not hesitate to contact me in the future should you have any further questions or concerns. If you would like to stay informed on my work in the Senate, you can sign up for my e-newsletter, follow me on Twitter at @SenatorHagan, or visit my Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Signature

Kay R. Hagan

 

[hso]

Another angle

Existing laws are more than adequate to reduce violent crime if they are adequately enforced.

Improvements to the background check system to include both voluntary and involuntary mental health treatment may be of benefit in reducing violent crime.

Actual improvements to the mental health care system will be of benefit in reducing violent crime by reducing the root cause of mass murders.

Since the FBI Uniform Crime Report shows that violent crime has been dropping as firearms purchases have been rising, sales of semi automatic magazine fed handguns and rifles have become the largest segment being purchased, there is no correlation between the type of firearms, magazines or ammunition available to the public and violent crime rates. As a voter and active member of my community I urge you to acknowledge that additional restrictions on firearms or magazines or ammunition will not be of benefit in reducing violent crime and that time and resources should not be wasted on them.
Sincerely,

 

[vamo]

reply from claire mccaskill

Thank you for contacting me regarding the recent shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, as well as gun control policy and gun safety. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.

On Friday, December 14, 2012, a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and began shooting teachers and students before taking his own life. This horrific tragedy took the lives of 27 people, including 20 children seven years of age and younger. As a mother, I'm horrified and stunned by the senseless violence against innocent children and teachers.

This tragedy has led to renewed and important discussions about gun control, which is often a divisive topic in our nation. The loss of so many beautiful children in a mass shooting that involved an assault rifle with ammunition clips that held large numbers of bullets makes clear that we need to revisit the assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 and review permissible magazine ammunition sizes. I am also supportive of closing the gun show loophole and making sure that those with court-determined, dangerous mental health diagnoses do not get access to guns. Finally, it is equally clear that we must reconsider the mental health services available to our citizens, knowing that each mass shooting our nation has experienced involved individuals with substantial mental health problems. "Obamacare" will expand important mental health coverage when it is implemented in 2014. Protecting our children and our citizens will require us to come together to find real solutions that cover a broad range of factors that have contributed to these horrific incidents.

I firmly believe that an attempt to promote appropriate gun safety measures can be done without infringing upon law-abiding citizens' right to own firearms or unduly burdening the hunting and sportsmanship culture of Missouri. Weapons designed primarily for the use of soldiers to kill people in war are not used in hunting and can be reasonably limited without jeopardizing any rights under the Second Amendment. I believe the horror of the Newtown shootings makes clear that we must get to work protecting our communities and our children from mass slaughter, while also protecting our Second Amendment rights. I am hopeful that the National Rifle Association, a significant voice in this discussion, will be a constructive part of this dialogue.

Even as I welcome this renewed debate, please know that I will continue to protect the Second Amendment Rights of law-abiding citizens to safely own and use appropriate firearms. In the past, I have voted to permit residents of the District of Columbia to own and purchase firearms. I also supported an amendment to a spending bill that would prevent funding for any international organization, including the United Nations, that places a tax on any firearm owned by a United States citizen. I have opposed other inappropriate measures, such as forcing Missouri to accept other states' firearms laws.

As your United States Senator, I will keep your thoughts in mind anytime Congress considers gun-related legislation. In the wake of the Newtown tragedy, my prayers are with the students and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary, and with their families. All Americans are outraged at senseless and criminal gun violence no matter where they may fall in the debate on guns in American society. A renewed national conversation has begun and we must all be a constructive and open-minded part of it. There is middle ground here, where this nation can come together with sensible laws that prevent the mass murder of innocent citizens, while we continue to respect our Constitution and its Second Amendment rights.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance to you on this or any other issue.



No surprise she favors controls I am sure its the standard form letter sent to pro 2a writers.

 

[hso]

Grand Replies from Congresspersons combined thread

Some of the pro 2A replies make good starting points for us to use to send more letters on to the Congresspersons that aren't committed one way or the other.

The Anti letters give us insight into the thinking of those politicians and make the fact that they need to be replaced instead of reelected vividly clear.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Sen Mark Warner, Virginia

Dear Mr. XXXXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut and your views on gun control.

On December 14, 2012, 20 innocent children and six adults lost their lives in one of the worst, most tragic shootings to ever occur in the United States. As a parent of three daughters, this was the ultimate nightmare. Like the Virginia Tech and Columbine shootings, this tragedy unfolded in what was once regarded as a safe haven free of crime and violence: a school.

I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. I own firearms and I have an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association. However, I also recognize that, like with many of our constitutional rights, our Second Amendment rights are not without limits. It is unfortunate that a tragedy of this magnitude is what is needed to prompt action, but we need to have a serious discussion on how to best avoid these kinds of mass shootings in the future. The status quo is not acceptable.

I believe our discussion should cover many issues. We can start by improving the existing criminal background check system. Currently, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is woefully incomplete, with many states failing to submit available records on persons who may be disqualified from purchasing or possessing firearms. With a more complete background check system, we can keep firearms out of the hands of those who have been deemed unfit to possess them.

In addition, we can take common sense measures such as passing the CAMPUS Safety Act (S. 3682), which I introduced last year. That bill would establish a national center for campus public safety within the Department of Justice to serve as a resource center and assist schools and universities in developing campus safety plans and threat assessment tools. We also need to look at changes to our mental health system so we can provide help to those with dangerous mental illnesses before it is too late. There will not be a single solution, but all of these issues and others need to be part of the conversation and I urge you to continue to express your views as we move forward.

Again, thank you for contacting me. For further information or to sign up for my newsletter please visit my website at http://warner.senate.gov.

Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator

 

[ZeSpectre]

ALSO from Sen Mark Warner, VA

Dear Friend,

Thank you for taking the time to share your views and experiences with me.

If you need assistance resolving a specific problem with a federal agency, please contact my office at 703-442-0670 or toll free at 1-877-676-2759. Otherwise, please be assured that we are reading and responding to your comments and opinions as fast as we can.

As the 112th Congress moves forward, please continue to be in touch with your views.


Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator

 

[poboy6]

I've received no reply from Ms. McCaskill (MO). I made sure to remind her that 2A has nothing to do with hunting.

The letter vamo posted is exactly the same that others have reposted from her. We can call her office but is there a way to speak to her personally? Does anyone have her cell number?

 

[Green Lantern]

Update on Hagan from GRNC:

Thousands of GRNC members have recently received a form letter from Sen. Kay Hagan (D-GRNC *) in response to concerns about the Obama/Biden/Feinstein anti-gun attack that is currently underway in Washington, DC.

In a painful attempt to appear supportive of our rights without actually supporting them, she has succeeded only in making it clear that her position needs significant correction. She writes,

“it is important that we not unnecessarily infringe on the legitimate Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners”

The Senator apparently does not appreciate that government cannot infringe upon fundamental liberties whether it is deemed “necessary” or not. It is also troubling to note she believes there are “legitimate” Second Amendment rights, which of course implies that some “illegitimate” ones also exist. Which ones are these?

She completes a trifecta of Second Amendment misunderstanding by raising her family’s “long tradition of hunting”. Grandpa’s side-by-side shotgun isn’t of much use against tyranny, is it?

HAGAN CAN’T HIDE HER LUKEWARM TREATMENT OF GUN RIGHTS

Sen. Hagan’s prior votes have earned her a GRNC “one star” evaluation, consistent with voting with gun owners 62% of the time. This is not a person we can be confident about protecting our interests in the largest battle to maintain gun rights in a generation. Hagan needs an attitude adjustment, and needs it now!

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!




Email AND call Sen. Hagan.

Call Sen. Hagan Monday, January 14th between 9 am and noon. If unable to call during these times, call when you can: 202-224-6342
Remind the Senator: the Second Amendment confirms and protects a fundamental liberty.
The right to keep and bear arms is not subject to perceived “needs”.
These rights SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED!
Bans, limits, registration schemes and all other gun-related restrictions currently being “floated” are UNACCEPTABLE!
North Carolina gun owners will tolerate NO COMPROMISE!

CONTACT INFO


Email Sen. Hagan using her webform: http://www.hagan.senate.gov/contact/



DELIVER THIS MESSAGE



Suggested Subject: "No Compromise on 'Obama Gun Ban'"



Dear Senator Hagan:


The Second Amendment confirms a fundamental liberty of North Carolinians to keep and bear arms. The need for this right is made clear within the Amendment itself: the “security of a free state” depends upon it. We have unfortunately seen how this is true following repeated attacks upon defenseless citizens within “Gun Free Zones” where these rights have been unconstitutionally usurped.

The right to bear arms has nothing to do with hunting or sports, it is necessary for defense of life, liberty and property. Such defense clearly requires effective, non-obsolete, militarily-relevant weapons. Thus, North Carolinians will tolerate no compromise with bans or restrictions of semi-automatic rifles, pistols or of magazine capacity.

You are free to pursue better management of the violently insane, and are encouraged to repeal the dangerous “Gun Free School Zones Act” of 1996. Any other cooperation with Obama/Biden/Feinstein proposed gun control is unacceptable. There can be no compromise with these anti-freedom plans.



Sincerely,

 

[Axel Larson]

This was my Governor's response.
Thank you for writing to me in response to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. The grief and shock that we all share is overwhelming and has led to a national conversation about ways to stop violence in our communities. I want to thank you for taking the time to add your voice to that conversation.



The last month has given me opportunity to reflect, and while there is no one policy change that can prevent a tragedy like this from happening again, I believe we must explore initiatives that will strengthen the safety of our communities. The role of firearms is one part of that discussion, and while I support the right of law abiding citizens to own guns, I believe it is appropriate to have a broader dialogue about what we can do to keep weapons of war out of the wrong hands. However, I strongly believe that to address gun violence we need a 50-state solution. I fully support the efforts of President Obama and Vice President Biden to develop a sensible, federal response to help prevent future tragedies, and I encourage Congress to enter into a vigorous and thoughtful debate on this issue.



In addition, my administration continues to focus on strengthening communities and providing for the well-being of Vermonters by working to improve Vermont's mental health and social services. Many Vermonters have also written to me about the importance of reviewing school security procedures. These concerns warrant further examination and I will be working with my administration and legislators to determine how we can respond to this crisis at the state level.



As citizens of this country, we are all called upon to reflect on the small actions we can take every day to build stronger, safer communities. I thank you again for joining me in this effort. Like all Vermonters, I am heartbroken by this tragedy, and my heart and thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims in Connecticut.



Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of further assistance.





Sincerely,

Peter Shumlin

Governor

109 State Street, Pavilion
Montpelier, Vermont 05609
802-828-3333

Visit Governor Shumlin’s Online Resources:

And he had a A rating from the NRA(not any more) I can't believe I voted for him.

 

[GAMALOT]

He is a guy who would never get a vote from me!

I personally believe we could use a chain saw to cut off the entire NE Quadrant and ship it off to the Pacific region where these liberals belong.

 

[avs11054]

Why should we give up on the senate? We still have a fillibuster.

 

[Axel Larson]

Sounds like the NRA needs to do more back work on their rating system. Needless to say I will not be voting for him again.

 

[HeathH]

Reply from Sharrod Brown - OH

Here is the response I received from Senator Sharrod Brown. Kind of what I expected out of him.

Dear Mr. Hamilton:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and the calls to regulate or ban these items.

From 1994 to 2004, Congress enacted a ban on semi-automatic assault weapons. The bill had three main components. The first section was comprised of a list guns that were banned by name, such as Uzi’s. The second section outlawed the future manufacture and sale of any new semiautomatic weapon with a detachable magazine and more than two of several assault-style features. The third section was an appendix which listed hunting rifles and shotguns that didn’t run afoul of the second section, and thus were exempted from the bill.

In 2011, law enforcement leaders such as Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Back, Oklahoma Police Chief Bill Citty, and Brockton, Massachusetts, Police Captain Emanuel Gomes, all separately discussed how their officers were being outgunned with assault weapons possessed by criminals.

While I have supported restrictions on the possession of semi-automatic assault weapons, and restrictions on the ability of criminals to possess handguns, I do not support an outright ban on guns or arbitrary restrictions on the right of law-abiding citizens to possess guns.

When our children and families are no longer safe at our schools, in our malls, and in our movie theaters, then we as a country must take action. The shocking numbers of public shootings throughout the country last year, culminating in Newtown, Connecticut, demand that we engage in a serious national discussion about gun violence, not just in terms of weapons and bullets, but also including mental health access, public safety officers, and our responsibility both as individuals and a society.

This is a complex issue and we must work together to uphold our Constitution while at the same time ensuring that our communities are safe. We can and must act to make such tragedies less likely in the future. Should any legislation concerning a reintroduction of the Assault Weapons Ban come before the Senate, I will keep your thoughts in mind. Thank you again for contacting me.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown
United States Senator

 

[GAMALOT]

Sherrod Brown just gave you the old "Check is in the mail" brush off!

The vast majority of the Senate have one motto they will live and die by, "Never allow a good crisis to go to waste".

As Patriots, Gun Owners and Second amendment advocates we should be absolute in our convictions and allow them to die from their elected positions.

Most of these fools would seriously hurt themselves if you put any gun in their hand short of a single action or revolver.

 

[HeathH]

The long and short of my reply to him is I will be actively campaigning against him in his next election cycle. Little does he know I already campaigned against him this year. He does have a huge urban machine going in Ohio and it will be extremely hard to oust him.

 

[PigButtons]

Thank you for keeping us up to date

Your work is greatly appreciated. Having written to both Senators here neither has replied, whereas Mo. Brooks, our districts Congressman, wrote back a very Pro2A email in less than 48 hours. I'll be continuing to email my Senators until I receive a response.

 

[Catshooter]

Thank you for this helpful post. I emailed Tom Harkin letting him know that I would work to see him defeated should he support gun control.


Cat

 

[hso]

People who have never been to a gun show are standing in line for hours for the chance to purchase a semiautomatic rifle. People who might have been to one or two shows are standing in line for hours to purchase a semiautomatic rifle. Shops emptied of every AR on the shelves. Manufacturers and suppliers and retailers back ordered with no prediction on how quickly they can stock those shelves. Gun shows reporting the highest attendance in their history. Shops reporting customers lined up before opening for the chance to be first to purchase whatever new inventory may have been stocked overnight. Why? Because the people standing those lines and purchasing the firearms reflect the attitude held by hundreds of people for every one in the lines that firearms aren't the cause of violent crime.

That attitude of those people is supported by the facts of the Obama administration's FBI in the Uniform Crime Reports. The UCR shows, without emotion or bias or political purpose, that while sales of AR-15 type rifles have gone up, violent crime rates have been dropping over the decades. While more and more people purchase the AR-15 for competition, recreation, and hunting everything from rabbits to deer to destructive wild hogs the use of rifles in murders has dropped to less than the number of people murdered with hands and feet year after year.

The facts show us that violent crime is down, murders are down, and gun crimes are down in the face of rising rates of firearms sales. When you can't find a correlation showing violent crime rate increases with rising firearms sales logic tells you that the assumption that firearms have anything to do with violent crime rates is wrong and the assumption must be abandoned as a false premise. A new assumption about the causes of violent crime must be sought if we actually want to reduce violent crime.

No new legislation restricting firearms or magazine or ammunition purchases will have any chance of reducing violent crime rates in the U.S. because they simply aren't correlated with violent crime rates.