Brady Campaign Endorses Coakley: Cites "Real Risk" To Massachusetts Of A Brown Victory

Jan 15, 2010

Washington, DC - The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence today endorsed Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley in the special election for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by the late Edward M. Kennedy, calling her election critical because her opponent has become beholden to the National Rifle Association and other gun extremists. 

Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign, said that a Brown victory could lead to passage of federal legislation that would force Massachusetts to allow out-of-state residents to carry loaded, hidden handguns in the state. This would include states with much weaker concealed carry laws like Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Alaska. Currently, no out-of-state residents are allowed to carry guns in Massachusetts.   

“This race is a clear choice between a tough, law-and-order leader who wants to fight gun violence in Massachusetts and a state legislator who has, either wittingly or unwittingly, become a poster child for the ‘guns everywhere’ gun lobby,” said Helmke.  “The people of Massachusetts should be clear what’s going on here: The gun groups are coming into Massachusetts to help Scott Brown because they know Martha Coakley will stand up to their reckless agenda. They also know that if he’s in their debt, Scott Brown will do their bidding.”

“The gun lobby already owns too many legislators in Washington D.C.,” Helmke said. 

In the past year, the ‘guns everywhere’ lobby has succeeded in passing legislation mandating that people be allowed to carry loaded, concealed guns in America’s national parks and also to allow people to bring firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains.  In addition, the gun lobby has blocked passage of legislation that would give the Justice Department the ability to stop suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms.

“There are tremendously important bills coming up for consideration by the United States Senate on the gun violence issue,” Helmke said.  “Based on her record, we trust Martha Coakley to vote the right way to reduce gun violence, and we urge all Massachusetts voters who care about the need for stronger gun laws to give her their support.”

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As the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.

For continuing insight and comment on the gun issue, read Paul Helmke's blog at www.bradycampaign.org/blog/. Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.