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friendly_iconoclast

(15,333 posts)
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 06:20 PM Aug 2016

Gabby Giffords’ Gun Control Group Endorses Two Republican Senators

Source: Time

The gun control group founded by Gabby Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, has endorsed two Republican Senators in tough re-election fights as it seeks to expand its outreach.

In an op-ed on CNN Monday, Americans for Responsible Solutions backed Sens. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Mark Kirk of Illinois, who are both facing tough re-election races in a year in which Democrats hope to regain control of the Senate.

The two sitting Senators voted in favor of gun control proposals after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, where 20 children were killed.

“In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook, Republican Sens. Pat Toomey and Mark Kirk broke from the gun lobby and supported a bill to help prevent felons, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill from obtaining firearms at gun shows and online,” wrote Giffords and Kelly in the op-ed.

Read more: http://time.com/4461211/gun-control-pat-toomey-mark-kirk-gabby-giffords/



As pointed out by another DUer:


(L)et's look at how the Democratic opposition stacks up.
-Tammy Duckworth, Democrat, combat vet, lost both legs in Iraq. Pro-choice, pro-ACA, supports comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship for those in the country illegally, would admit 100,000 Syrian refugees into the United States. Rated 7% by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record.

-Katie McGinty, Democrat, has not held an elected office. Served as an environmental advisor to Vice President Al Gore and President Bill Clinton, pro-business, supports gay marriage, Affordable Care Act, she is also pro-choice. Scored 100% on CeaseFire Pennsylvania survey, Expanding state background checks to cover the private sale of long guns, Requiring background checks for ammunition sales, Requiring firearms dealers to tell the police when a customer fails a background check


And this in a year when we're seeking to regain the Senate. Oy vey!


39 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Gabby Giffords’ Gun Control Group Endorses Two Republican Senators (Original Post) friendly_iconoclast Aug 2016 OP
I just unsubscribed from their mailing list and wrote an email giving this reason kimbutgar Aug 2016 #1
The best response to this came from DUer sarisataka, who posted this originally: friendly_iconoclast Aug 2016 #3
How stupid!! It really does not matter what a R thinks, tehe will still goosestep FighttheFuture Aug 2016 #2
Screw her- don't put money in another state, my state, to defeat Tammy Duckworth Person 2713 Aug 2016 #4
Mark Kirk, who just called POTUS a "drug dealer." nt msanthrope Aug 2016 #5
Reaching across the aisle!!! YAY!!!! vi5 Aug 2016 #6
Do you really think Toomer or Kirk SwankyXomb Aug 2016 #9
Was my sarcasm not evident? vi5 Aug 2016 #10
Bad move, Gabby. surrealAmerican Aug 2016 #7
Toomey's gotta go BumRushDaShow Aug 2016 #8
What is wrong with Gabby Giffords? Kirk is a Teabagger! Stellar Aug 2016 #11
Disappointing and bizarre. MBS Aug 2016 #12
Unbelievable. CharlotteVale Aug 2016 #13
Maybe you should improve your reading sklls postatomic Aug 2016 #14
They just endorsed a guy that referred to President Obama as "drug dealer in chief"... friendly_iconoclast Aug 2016 #16
I've included the definition of 'endorsement' elsewhere postatomic Aug 2016 #20
Why, then, did they endorse two Republicans and *not* their Democratic challengers? friendly_iconoclast Aug 2016 #22
It seems my interlocutor found my questions 'inconvenient'... friendly_iconoclast Aug 2016 #31
What does sarisataka Aug 2016 #18
"an act of giving one's public approval or support to someone or something." postatomic Aug 2016 #19
Yet they sarisataka Aug 2016 #21
Bears repeating: The Giffords endorsed two Republicans, and did *not* endorse... friendly_iconoclast Aug 2016 #23
I think some are deliberately ignoring this fact. beevul Sep 2016 #36
Oh FFS......... pablo_marmol Aug 2016 #25
What? What? What? discntnt_irny_srcsm Aug 2016 #29
basic English LOL snooper2 Aug 2016 #32
Well .. ananda Aug 2016 #15
Hopefully, it will help Dems realize that sometimes 'friends' aren't really your friends friendly_iconoclast Aug 2016 #17
This!!!!! NWCorona Sep 2016 #37
The Human Rights Campaign also endorsed Kirk over Duckworth. ForgoTheConsequence Aug 2016 #24
Follow the money NWCorona Sep 2016 #38
"And this in a year when we're seeking to regain the Senate. Oy vey!" pablo_marmol Aug 2016 #26
I live in Pennsylvania. Gabby sure disappointed me by that endorsement. Toomey is a leech and a appleannie1 Aug 2016 #27
kick NT pablo_marmol Aug 2016 #28
Toomey has almost a perfect mark from the NRA BlueInPhilly Aug 2016 #30
Strange consequence of single-issue advocacy. JustABozoOnThisBus Aug 2016 #33
Kick. beevul Sep 2016 #34
K&R n/t discntnt_irny_srcsm Sep 2016 #35
This realignment with "moderate" Republicans is troubling NWCorona Sep 2016 #39

kimbutgar

(20,871 posts)
1. I just unsubscribed from their mailing list and wrote an email giving this reason
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 06:27 PM
Aug 2016

This is bs. Neither Kirk nor Toomey will stand up to the NRA they are just pandering to those who only pay attention during election season.

I had so much respect for Gaby Giffords and now I am disgusted by her and Mark Kelly.

 

friendly_iconoclast

(15,333 posts)
3. The best response to this came from DUer sarisataka, who posted this originally:
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 06:32 PM
Aug 2016
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1172198407

Why should we (Democrats) support Republicans (who happen to have supported some gun control) over these Democrats?

Person 2713

(3,263 posts)
4. Screw her- don't put money in another state, my state, to defeat Tammy Duckworth
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 06:33 PM
Aug 2016

Work on AZ
it has enough to keep busy with guns and politics

 

vi5

(13,305 posts)
6. Reaching across the aisle!!! YAY!!!!
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 07:21 PM
Aug 2016

So fucking sick of "our side" pulling this bullshit.

And so looking forward to a few new Conserva-Dems taking their rightful place in the Democratic controlled Senate: which based on history is standing at the door and telling a Democratic president and Democratic senate what can and can't be passed and what is or is not "too liberal".

SwankyXomb

(2,030 posts)
9. Do you really think Toomer or Kirk
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 08:04 PM
Aug 2016

will side with the Democrats on any vote, other than maybe dedicating a post office?

 

vi5

(13,305 posts)
10. Was my sarcasm not evident?
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 08:17 PM
Aug 2016

No, I don't think they will side with Democrats on any vote. At all.

This is a dumb, dumb, dumb move.

surrealAmerican

(11,339 posts)
7. Bad move, Gabby.
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 07:30 PM
Aug 2016

Sen. Kirk is a worthless piece of GOP, and does not have a better record than Tammy Duckworth on this issue.


With friends like these, who needs enemies?

BumRushDaShow

(127,271 posts)
8. Toomey's gotta go
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 07:57 PM
Aug 2016

He puts his finger in the wind and says what is "expedient" at the moment but he is still a teabagger.

Stellar

(5,644 posts)
11. What is wrong with Gabby Giffords? Kirk is a Teabagger!
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 08:24 PM
Aug 2016

In 2009 Mark Kirk Tells China That US is a Bad Investment - - - DailyKos

In 2009 Is this, like, traitorous? - - The Guardian

I keep seeing Gabby sitting up there with Chelsy Clinton at the convention.

postatomic

(1,771 posts)
14. Maybe you should improve your reading sklls
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 10:00 PM
Aug 2016
It's a national effort. That's why, this fall, we're undertaking a campaign to ignite the vocal majority of gun-sense supporters from coast to coast. And we're standing by our friends who have championed smart gun laws in Congress. Some of those friends are Democrats; some are Republicans. All of them know how urgently we need to do more to keep guns out of dangerous hands. Saving lives should be an American priority, not a partisan litmus test.

With so many more candidates running on a gun violence prevention platform, in some places the changing politics of gun safety has made our endorsement decision difficult. In Pennsylvania, Katie McGinty is a passionate advocate for gun violence prevention and would be a consistent vote for life-saving gun safety laws in the Senate. Likewise, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois is not only a decorated veteran and an American hero, but has been a champion for commonsense gun laws in the House. We have no doubt she would continue to be a leader on gun safety in the Senate.

With the vocal majority of Americans behind us, our movement has reached a tipping point. Our coalition is black and white, Latino and Asian. We are gay and straight. We are gun owners. We are Democrats and Republicans. And we've all had enough with the gun violence that is tearing our communities apart.


I have never, repeat: NEVER, been asked to support a Republican by Gabby and Mark. They are merely identifying those that would be helpful in their endeavor. 'Dying by Gun' should not be a partisan issue. It is a human issue.
 

friendly_iconoclast

(15,333 posts)
16. They just endorsed a guy that referred to President Obama as "drug dealer in chief"...
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 10:30 PM
Aug 2016

...over two solid, demonstrably pro-gun control Democrats.

One of whom can be seen here at the recent pro gun control sit-in:



*My* reading skills are just fine. What part of 'endorsement' did *you* not understand?

http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/22/opinions/america-finds-voice-gun-safety-giffords-kelly/

This week, they are earning our organization's endorsement.



http://www.democraticunderground.com/12512378127

Kirk likens Obama to 'drug dealer in chief' for $400 million Iran payment

Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, who has made opposition to a U.S.-led nuclear agreement with Iran a major theme of his re-election campaign, likened home-state President Barack Obama to "drug dealer in chief" over a $400 million payment linked to the release of American prisoners.

Kirk's controversial rhetoric has been an issue as the first-term senator is viewed as perhaps the most vulnerable Republican incumbent nationally this fall. He is being challenged by two-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates.

The latest eyebrow-raising comment came as he spoke last week to a Downstate newspaper. Kirk echoed GOP criticism that the U.S. cash payment of $400 million to Iran was a ransom for the release of American prisoners held by the country.

The money was part of a previously announced settlement in a case stemming from money owed since 1979. The U.S. has had a long-standing policy of not paying ransom for hostages, and the Obama administration described the payment as "leverage" for the release of U.S. prisoners.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-mark-kirk-barack-obama-drug-dealer-iran-met-0822-20160821-story.html


Fuck Kirk, fuck Toomey, and fuck anyone who would politically support those two
wastes of oxygen in any way, shape, or form

postatomic

(1,771 posts)
20. I've included the definition of 'endorsement' elsewhere
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 10:54 PM
Aug 2016

Pretty easy to digest. Simple word.

Did you read the actual op-ed or are you just going to keep skimming off some internutz site?

 

friendly_iconoclast

(15,333 posts)
22. Why, then, did they endorse two Republicans and *not* their Democratic challengers?
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 11:12 PM
Aug 2016

Granted, they had fine words for Duckworth and McGinty, and noted their gun control efforts.

They even mentioned the House sit-in and pro-gun control Senate filibuster:

Gun violence prevention has gained a level of prominence unthinkable just a few years ago, with a 15-hour Senate filibuster, a historic sit-in on the House floor, and an entire program on gun safety at the Democratic National Convention.


Problem is, Kirk and Toomey wanted nothing to do with *any* of that.

Hemming and hawing, aside:

In your own words, why are supposed to be OK with supporting two Republicans
over two Democrats in tight Senate races, in a year where control of the Senate is in play?




postatomic

(1,771 posts)
19. "an act of giving one's public approval or support to someone or something."
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 10:50 PM
Aug 2016


Neither Gabby or Mark has said that anyone should vote for them. They've merely indicated that these are two (reluctantly endorsed) Republicans. Their agenda is non-partisan and I'm okay with that.

sarisataka

(18,197 posts)
21. Yet they
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 10:57 PM
Aug 2016

did not endorse their Democratic opponents, who also are very pro-gun control. That is recommending people vote for the Republican incumbents over their Democratic challengers.

I do not dispute the Gifford's agenda but I will challenge DUer's who tell us it is "worth it" to support Republicans who voted for one gun control proposal.

 

friendly_iconoclast

(15,333 posts)
23. Bears repeating: The Giffords endorsed two Republicans, and did *not* endorse...
Mon Aug 22, 2016, 11:16 PM
Aug 2016

...the two demonstrably pro-gun control Democrats running against them.

pablo_marmol

(2,375 posts)
26. "And this in a year when we're seeking to regain the Senate. Oy vey!"
Tue Aug 23, 2016, 12:38 AM
Aug 2016

Yup. The relative silence in response to this OP is quite telling.

appleannie1

(5,042 posts)
27. I live in Pennsylvania. Gabby sure disappointed me by that endorsement. Toomey is a leech and a
Tue Aug 23, 2016, 12:58 AM
Aug 2016

blight on this state.

BlueInPhilly

(870 posts)
30. Toomey has almost a perfect mark from the NRA
Tue Aug 23, 2016, 11:36 AM
Aug 2016

what is he going to do with his Pennsyltucky constituents then? From that vast wasteland of gun toting folks between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh?

JustABozoOnThisBus

(23,282 posts)
33. Strange consequence of single-issue advocacy.
Tue Aug 23, 2016, 01:12 PM
Aug 2016

A bigger picture would highlight the need to support Democrats.

I would not have expected this from G Giffords.

 

beevul

(12,194 posts)
34. Kick.
Wed Sep 7, 2016, 01:11 PM
Sep 2016

Because this belongs at the top of LBN right next to the thread about the nra endorsing a Democrat.

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