McAuliffe Wins in NRA’s Backyard; Moms Fire back with Votes
Today Virginia voters made clear that an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) is not a pre-requisite for becoming Governor—even in the home state of the NRA’s corporate headquarters.
Last month, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America announced its endorsement of Terry McAuliffe following the final gubernatorial debate in Blacksburg when McAuliffe professed boldly, “I don’t care what grade I get from the NRA. I never want to see a Newtown or Aurora or VA Tech happen again.”
Governor-elect McAuliffe’s statement marked a turning point in the campaign when gun reform became the defining issue between the two candidates, according to a recent article in the Washington Post: “In Virginia governor’s race, gun control surfaces late as a key issue.”
“Virginians have made it clear that gun sense is finally prevailing over extremism – not just in Virginia, but in throughout the country,” said Gena Reeder, Virginia Chapter Leader of Moms Demand Action. “In the NRA’s own backyard, Virginia moms fired back at the gun lobby’s extremism with our votes for Governor-elect McAuliffe.”
“Moms Demand Action applauds Governor-elect McAuliffe’s victory as a win for all Virginia families, and we know this win will give other candidates the courage to support common-sense gun reform legislation without feeling threatened by the gun lobby. Clearly, the NRA’s power is waning.”
