If Bush Did It

For pro-gun lawmakers who couldn’t make it to Pittsburgh for the NRA Convention, the short video greeting is the standard way of making a virtual appearance. I noted earlier that Texas Gov. Rick Perry had the most visually snazzy video message offering his remarks after and before firing some rounds at a Texas shooting range. In addition to the video messages mentioned below, NRA members have watched greetings from Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, and Sen. Roy Blunt, who credited an endorsement event with NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and chief lobbyist Chris Cox as having a big impact on his senatorial win last year. If you’re wondering which potential GOP contenders can generate some buzz in a room, there’s no denying the instant reaction to the video greeting from Michele Bachmann. Cox, emceeing the event, described the next speaker as a steadfast fighter for the Second Amendment and hunter and shooter since age 12, but otherwise obscured the her identity; upon seeing her face, the crowd began applauding before she spoke a word. In her remarks, she cheerfully declared, “In 2012, we have a chance to repeal the current president and elect a Constitutional conservative!” But she didn’t mention any potential presidential bid on her own part. UPDATE: Another video message from Ohio Sen. Rob Portman. “What I like about you being here today is that it means there will be fewer turkey hunters to compete with back home in Ohio this weekend.” Portman declared, “Ohio’s NRA members were key to our successful efforts last fall… Even during these busy days, I make the time to take a day and go hunting with my son.” ANOTHER UPDATE: Video message from Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor: “As Majority Leader, I can assure you that your new House majority will protect your right to bear arms.”

Read more:
NRA Convention Part Three: Jindal, Johnson, Blunt, Bachmann