{"id":3373,"date":"2011-02-03T16:08:10","date_gmt":"2011-02-03T21:08:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gunpoliticsny.com\/?p=3373"},"modified":"2011-02-03T16:08:10","modified_gmt":"2011-02-03T21:08:10","slug":"not-a-given","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.gunpoliticsny.com\/?p=3373","title":{"rendered":"Not a given"},"content":{"rendered":"

Julie Sobel’s over at Hotline On Call writes, “NRA Already In Position To Celebrate In 2012<\/a>.” \u00a0There are some problems with her analysis:<\/p>\n

“… Unlike in 2008, when the Republican ticket was topped by Arizona Sen. John McCain (R)<\/a>, whose mixed record on gun control has earned him a NRA rating of C+<\/a>, a look at the potential 2012 field – even including Pres. Obama<\/a> — suggests that gun rights activists may already be in a position to celebrate. \u00a0“It’s inconceivable that the Republicans would nominate a candidate who was not 100% with the NRA,” said Robert Spitzer, author of the book “The Politics of Gun Control<\/a>\"\"” …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Two words: Mitt Romney<\/a>. \u00a0He has not gone away<\/a>. \u00a0He’s F rated from his time as Massachusetts Governor. \u00a0I believe he will put his hat into the ring<\/a> for ’12.<\/p>\n

“… Not only are Republican contenders sticking to their guns, Democratic leaders have essentially decided to cede the argument on gun control …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

No, they have not and nobody believes they have either. \u00a0They just haven’t put it on the front burner because they know the issue is a stinker. \u00a0That does not mean that at some more opportune time they will bring it up again.<\/p>\n

It is entirely possible the GOP<\/a> will screw up and either nominate a “moderate” on guns and\/or nominate a generally weak candidate who ends up losing the general election. \u00a0It is way to early to celebrate.<\/p>\n