INDUSTRY NEWS

Senator Durbin Votes for Confirmation

(Columbus) – Last night the sportsmen’s community came within five votes of stopping the nomination of Cass Sunstein to serve as the head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), otherwise known as the “Regulatory Czar.” Sunstein is an avowed anti hunter and does not believe the second amendment applies to individual gun ownership.

While a confirmation vote took place today, it was a formality after the Senate voted to over-ride a hold placed on the nomination by Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson. It would have taken 40 votes to prevent the confirmation. Opponents of Sunstein were only able to earn 35. Alarmingly 22 out of 53 senators who are members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus voted in favor of Sunstein.

“Having 42 percent of the sportsmen’s caucus vote for an anti-hunter when were just five votes away was a real blow,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “As we have, sportsmen should take note which of their ‘friends’ voted for them and which did not.”

Democratic Senator Richard Durbin is one sportsmen’s caucus member that voted for Sunstein.

“We’re extremely disappointed in Senator Durbin, who despite sitting on the sportsmen’s caucus has clearly spoken to Illinois sportsmen by casting his vote for an animal rights supporter and anti-hunter,” stated Bob Becker, president of the Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources. “It’s unfortunate that Senator Durbin and Senator Burris have both chosen to overlook Illinois’ rich sporting heritage.”

The USSA and others, including the National Wild Turkey Federation, argued for weeks that Sunstein’s views against recreational hunting, the second amendment and on giving animals standing in court should persuade the Senate to defeat the appointment.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

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Contact:
Greg R. Lawson
(614) 888-4868 x 214

Sharon Hayden
(614) 888-4868 x 226

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