[Justin]

Just got off the phone with the office for Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse-Campbell. He voted for the original ban, but he's not a raving anti. I think that given enough constituent pressure, he will not vote for the renewal of the ban.

Anyway, the staffer on the other end of the line didn't know what his position was regarding S 1034, the reauthorization of the ban. (Go figure.)
But she told me she'd be happy to take my comments and relay them to the Senator. So, deciding to keep it short, I pointed out that I had serious ethical qualms with a law that could get a person convicted of a felony for owning what is nothing more than a peice of stamped sheet metal. From there, I explained that the magazine ban is terrible politics. The staffer on the other end of the line was kind of surprised, apparently unaware that this law could get you thrown in jail for five years just for owning a magazine. She said she'd be happy to relay my comments to the Senator.

Campbell used to be a Democrat, for what that's worth, so he's one of the more "moderate" Republicans. Therefore if this thing comes to a vote in the Senate, he might be inclined to support the renewal. If we lean on him hard enough, though, he might decide otherwise.

[justice4all]

I wrote him a letter a while back, but never got a reply. It's funny, because I did get a reply from Senator Allard--a canned response to his stance on gun-control--and what seemed to be a personal letter from Congressman Udall. I will call Campbell as soon as I get off THR.

[Standing Wolf]

Campbell does a pretty enthusiastic job of soliciting contributions.

[Waitone]

From there, I explained that the magazine ban is terrible politics. The staffer on the other end of the line was kind of surprised, apparently unaware that this law could get you thrown in jail for five years just for owning a magazine. And that, sadly, is the state of affairs. Legislation is written by staffers and advocacy groups. Elected reps in whose name legislation is written does not know the details unless there is personal interest. Other elected officials may read and study the legislation but most of the time reading and following it is left to staffer who may study it or may not.

Phone calls, letters, etc. from the peasant class is the only way to reliable alert congressional representatives of any "stinkies" in a bill.

[justice4all]

I called all thre of my "representatives at the toll-free capital switchboard and politely told their representatives that my support for their boss was based on their support for the RKBA. It took all of 5 minutes, and cost no money. I urge all my fellow Americans to do the same at least once a month.

[Billll]

I sent Sen Cambell an e-mail, and actually got a letter back.:what:

The senator, in the past seemed to limit communications to smoke signals, or some such. Anyway:

Dear William:
Thank you for contacting me regarding recent gun control legislation. I appreciate hearing from you.
I have always supported the legal posession of firearms by law-abiding citizens. Please know that I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind as we continue to debate gun control issues here in the Senate. In reviewing these legislative initiatives, I will work to ensure that any new laws do not infringe upon the rights of law abiding gun owners, while attempting to curb the level of violence involving guns.
Again, thank you for contacting me.
Sincerely
Ben Nighthorse Cambell

[general]

In reviewing these legislative initiatives, I will work to ensure that any new laws do not infringe upon the rights of law abiding gun owners, while attempting to curb the level of violence involving guns.
All righty then......
He'll get a call, e.mail, snail mail AND a fax from me.
I already sent 2 letters (snail) and 1 e.mail on May 6th for the awbansunset deal - but - I'll hammer him again.
All:
Way to keep on 'em buddys!;)

[general]

Oh yeah....
The toll free number for the
CAPITOL SWITCHBOARD is 1-800-648-3516.
Tell the lady that answers which congressional or senate office you wish to be connected with, then when connected, state your case.