A Keyboard and a .45
Of Arms & the Law
GunTruth
View From The Porch
The View from North Central Idaho
Call me Ahab
The Smallest Minority
SayUncle
The Maddened Fowl
Sharp as a Marble

The 11th spot awarded to one lucky voter will join the bloggers for the August weekend. Look for photos and posts from participants in late August.

I’ve been doing research on hotels in the area.  Considering typical budgets, distance from the main event location, and amenities, I think I found a winner.  There are reasonable options for those looking for roommates and competitive rates for single rooms, too.

With that in mind, would those of you who think you’ll try and go be interested in taking part in a room block opening later this year for early reservations?

In addition, at least two hotels are now taking reservations for visitors in Phoenix. Many more will no doubt be added to the system as we get closer to 2009. However, for those interested, you can reserve a room now and cancel later.

You’re also welcome to make reservations on your own. It appears many of the major travel reservation websites are not yet accepting reservations this far out yet. Many folks found great deals at other hotels in the area in Louisville, and you’re by no means required to use the NRA reservation system.

Even better, now all readers who vote can enter to win the 11th spot at this great weekend escape!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0297_ha8zXE

Bloggers who registered for & attended the Second Amendment Blog Bash are eligible to win a weekend in August training at the Blackwater USA facility with practical shooting champion Todd Jarrett.

With only 10 spots available, winner selection methods will be announce shortly. The blogroll will be updated with those who actually attended, and we’ll pick on the rest for next year.

Dear Friends and Readers-

I am sorry that I can’t be there with you all at this year’s NRA Convention in Kentucky, when I served in Congress I was proud to work in New Hampshire and in our nation’s capitol in support of the 2nd Amendment.  I earned an A rating from the National Rifle Association because of my strong support for the rights of Americans to keep and bear arms.

Unfortunately, my Democrat opponent Carol Shea-Porter apparently does not share the belief that Americans have the right under our Constitution to own a firearm in order to defend their lives, liberties, and loved ones.  I posted the following on my website about her refusal to sign a letter urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Washington, D.C. gun ban.

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution is fundamental to the right of individual Americans to keep and bear arms in order to defend their lives, loved ones, and property. The Second Amendment is enshrined in our Constitution much in the same way as freedom of speech or religion.

Unfortunately not every local government has the same clear view of the Constitution, and so for a number of years law abiding citizens in the District of Columbia have been banned from legally owning and possessing fire arms. A case recently argued before the US Supreme Court will hopefully restore the rights of DC residents to possess a gun.

Mr. Dick Heller, a Washington DC security guard brought suit against the gun ban. As a security guard he is utilizes a weapon for his job—-but is not legally entitled to own a gun in Washington DC.
250 members of the US House recently signed a brief to the Supreme Court urging that the gun ban be overturned and DC residents be able to own firearms as other Americans are entitled to. Conspicuously absent from signing that brief is Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter.  By not signing the brief, it is clearly evident that Shea-Porter does not support the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution.

When I served in Congress, I was proud to have earned an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association for supporting the 2nd Amendment and the right of individual Americans to keep and bear arms. When the issue of overturning the DC gun ban and restoring DC residents 2nd Amendment rights came before Congress in 2004, I voted to scrap the ban. (Roll Call 477 on September 29, 2004: HR-3193) Furthermore I was a co-sponsor of this important legislation.

It is my hope that the Court will rule clearly and convincingly on the side of Mr. Heller and proponents of the 2nd Amendment. I intend to remind NH voters of the differences between myself and Carol Shea-Porter on this issue so critical to the individual liberties of all Americans.

During the years I served in Congress there were several other 2nd Amendment issues that were noteworthy. I did not support a ban on so-called “assault weapons” and thankfully it was not renewed by Congress. The House and Senate passed legislation which became law to protect gun manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits. I was a co-sponsor of this legislation (HR-800) and voted for it (Roll Call 534 10/20/2005).

I also co-sponsored legislation (HR-3436) which would have withheld funding from the United Nations if it undermined rights of Americans guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. Lastly, I co-sponsored legislation that would establish a national standard (reciprocity) for carrying of concealed firearms. This legislation (HR-4547) would make it possible for non-residents of a state to legally carry concealed weapons.

I look forward to returning to Congress to fight for American’s rights to keep and bear arms, and hope for a successful convention.
Very Sincerely Yours,

Jeb Bradley

UPDATE: The Press Office also has a delayed opening.