Gun control

The Washington Post

April 16^th, 2012

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-to-try-to-reassure-nra-that-he-will-aggressively-defend-gun-rights/2012/04/13/gIQArrKCFT_story.html

Summary:

In an attempt to win supporters from NRA, the National Rifle Association, Mitt Romney, G.O.P presidential contestant is explicitly stating that he will be defending the rights of gun-owners. By explicitly stating that he will be reducing laws that hassle gun-owners, Romney is making it clear that he wants to distinguish himself from Obama, who he states to encumber gun-owners with regulations.

Connection:

The National Rifle Association, an interest group with a high number of members had traditionally been a supporter of Republican candidates, who have in the past singularly expressed to reduce the barriers to gun-ownership and rights. By appealing to the NRA as a ardent defendant of gun-ownership, Romney hopes to increase his popularity with NRA's members and traditional Republican voters.

Reflection:

The NRA's influence in politics is significant, as can been seen with the passage of the “Stand Your Ground” act in so many states, which permits gun-owners to defend themselves when threatened in public. Romney, by emphasizing his loyalty to rifle and gun owners is attempting to secure their votes. However, perhaps even without his speech, they will most likely be inclined to vote for him because of the Democratic party's history of imposing gun regulations.