GOP candidates fear the NRA
Nine-two percent of Americans want background checks for all gun sales. President Obama used his executive powers to make that happen, possibly for no other reason than to start a conversation.
Congressional Republicans will do everything possible to keep that from happening, just like they voted against a national registry of gun ownership, and against denying guns to people on the do-not-fly list (also favored by the vast majority of Americans).
The disconnect between the people’s desires and Congress is easily explained. The National Rifle Association, primarily funded by gun manufacturers, has enough power to prevent many Republican legislators from being re-elected if they don’t toe the line and vote against any kind of gun-safety laws.
The obvious answer is to not vote for someone who is not going to support your needs and concerns. Think about who is backing the candidate before you support him or her. If you can’t see past the corporate-sponsored political ads, then you probably should not be voting at all.
Bill Rovin, Fresno
This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 5:44 AM with the headline "GOP candidates fear the NRA."