Just moments ago, I walked out of the Iowa Capitol after watching the 2015 session officially convene.
I have to admit, it was great not bumping into incumbent anti-gun legislators like former State Senator Daryl Beall, former Rep. Pat Murphy, former Rep. Dan Mullbauer – and other anti-gun legislators who were sent packing by gun owners in their districts during the 2014 general election.
These FORMER state legislators are a testimony to the ability of organized and mobilized gun owners to fight for their rights.
Of course, I also know that there are plenty of anti-gun legislators still in the Capitol who will be picking up where their colleagues left off.
One of these is newly-appointed Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Steve Sodders, a notorious anti-gun politician who has voted against pro-gun bills at almost every turn.
And of course, in an all-too-familiar scene, I observed all the normal anti-gun organizations already circling the Iowa capitol today, as they prepare to harass gun owners once again in the 2015 legislative session.
Capitol insiders are reporting to us that already the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association (ISSDA) as well as the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) are preparing to introduce legislation that would greatly increase the regulation and cost associated with obtaining a concealed carry permit here in Iowa, as well as further restrict the places you could use such a permit.
And undoubtedly, their pals in the media will be doing their part as well.
Thankfully, we also have incredibly committed pro-gun champions in the legislature as well!
In fact, already today on the first day of the session, Iowa State Senator Rick Bertrand is doing the necessary work behind-the-scenes to introduce Constitutional Carry Legislation as well as Stand-Your-Ground legislation on behalf of Iowa Gun Owners!
(Pro-gun State Senator Rick Bertrand (L) meeting with IGO’s Executive Director Aaron Dorr this morning, as they hammer out the final wording on Stand-Your-Ground legislation in the Iowa State Capitol.)
And of course, there is a host of other pro-gun legislators, some of whom were elected just in the last couple of months, who will be adding their voices to Senator Rick Bertrand’s charge.
Even though it’s the first day of the session, there are two things that I absolutely need you to do:
1) Take a moment to sign your petition in support of Stand-Your-Ground legislation.
Make sure your legislator knows how you want him or her to vote on this critical legislation. Your signed petition will make sure that you are on the record in defense of your gun rights!
2) Contact your State Senator and State Representative today.
Make sure your legislator hears directly from you so that they know you expect them to take action on behalf of your gun rights by cosponsoring and supporting these two pro-gun bills.
(Feel free to use the prewritten email that we have provided for you below.)
And while you’re at it, make sure to tell all your pro-gun friends that now is the time to get involved in the fight to defend their gun rights right here in Iowa by liking the Iowa Gun Owners Facebook page.
For Freedom,
Aaron Dorr
Executive Director
P.S. The 2015 legislative session is officially underway in Des Moines.
Pro-gun champion and Iowa State Senator Rick Bertrand is already working to introduce both Stand-Your-Ground legislation and Constitutional Carry legislation.
Already, Capitol insiders are reporting to us that anti-gun legislators and anti-gun organizations are preparing to introduce legislation that would make it harder for you and I to obtain and carry firearms for self-defense.
And while you’re at it, I hope you’ll take a moment to call or email your legislator today, making sure he or she knows where you stand.
(You can use the prewritten email below if you wish.)
Dear ______________,
As the 2015 legislative session kicks off in Iowa, I hope that you make defense of gun rights one of your top priorities.
Even as anti-gun organizations in Des Moines already prepare to further restrict our rights, I urge you to cosponsor and personally champion both the Constitutional Carry bill and the Iowa Stand-Your-Ground that will be introduced this session.
Please support these bills at all steps in the process, both publicly and procedurally.
I will be watching to see how you act on these critical issues.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME HERE