Is the National Rifle Association Foothold Crumbling in the West?

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

Carla Axtman, GoLocalPDX MINDSETTER™

Photo credit: iStock

Right now in Oregon, anyone can purchase a gun at a garage sale. And by “anyone,” I mean those with a history of violent mental illness or criminal background.

There are no background checks for these sorts of sales because so far, our legislature hasn’t had the backbone to stand up to the NRA and the Oregon Firearms Federation to get it done. It’s an absurd, frustrating situation that has our legislature on the cusp of public policy malpractice.

The same can be said of Washington state, except they deal with their own version of those in the state who lean in the same extreme direction as OFF.

Sea change

But it would appear a sea change is afoot with our neighbors to the north.

Washingtonians have circumvented the legislative morass and are voting this November on I-594, a ballot initiative that would close the background check loophole. I-594 would require private gun sales transactions, with few exceptions, to be done with a licensed dealer. The buyer would complete the proper background check forms, the dealer would call in the check and if the buyer passes, the sale would commence.

Previously, even the hint that the National Rifle Association might try to defeat a legislator has caused votes for gun legislation to evaporate in legislatures around the country and at the federal level.

But the NRA has been largely quiet in the fight in Washington State. The pro I-594 Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility has raised more than $7.3 million, much of it from Microsoft money.

Strategy to outspend

Meanwhile, the NRA has reportedly spent a few hundred thousand at most, including a couple of full-time staff. Their entire communications strategy so far in the state has been to send notices to members. Pro I-594 forces are easily dominating the airwaves. The entire strategy of Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility seems to be premised on the idea that the NRA simply can’t keep up with that level of spending for a statewide campaign.

So far, that strategy appears to be spot on.

Polling from July shows I-594 in a very strong position to win. If it does, the strategy would presumably embolden others to push for legislation or voter initiatives elsewhere. The NRA could be on their heels around the country in a matter of just a few years, or even months.

Back here in Oregon, pro-background check forces have also decided to wade in to the legislative battle between incumbent state Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) and challenger Chuck Riley. Starr voted against background check expansion in the legislature in 2013, even bragging about his position in a fundraising email.

Just last week, the Michael Bloomberg-funded group “Everytown for Gun Safety” shifted $22,000 to Riley. The group also dropped $56,000 in ads for Gov. John Kitzhaber. Kitzhaber’s opponent, state Rep. Dennis Richardson (R-Central Point), famously stated that the shooting at Sandy Hook might not have taken place if teachers had been armed.

Which brings us full circle back to the Oregon Firearms Federation, who refer to those who want to put the safety of children over teachers brandishing weapons as “bedwetters."

Opposition to extremism

It’s heartening to finally see a well-funded, solid opposition to the extremism of the hardcore gun culture. Oregonians are hugely in favor of expanding background checks to private sales.

If the legislature in its current form can’t get that done, then let’s get some people in the seats who will.