Gillibrand and Guns
January 23rd, 2009
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has joined a chorus of those concerned with Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand’s stance on gun control. Gillibrand has a grade A rating from the National Rile Association.
Bloomberg said in a statement, “I have a strong disagreement with one area of her record as a member of Congress: illegal guns. She has actively opposed the efforts of New York City, and cities around the state and nation, to enact common-sense measures that keep illegal guns out of the hands of criminals.” The mayor said that he hopes that, now that Gilbrand represents the whole state, he looks “forward to working with her to help her gain a broader understanding of the problems affecting New York City so she can be an effective advocate for all New Yorkers.”
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, whose husband was killed during the Long Island Rail Road massacre, blasted Gillibrand yesterday for her stance on guns and threatened to challenge her in the Democratic primary in 2010.
During her press conference today Gillibrand tried to mend fences and promised to work with McCarthy on the issue of gun violence.
My first interview with Gillibrand took place at the Columbia County Fair in Chatham, N.Y., during her 2006 congressional campaign. Gillibrand made it a point to tell constituents about her interest in hunting. When we passed by a carnival game that involved shooting balloons with a toy rifle Gillibrand made sure the photographer got the shot.
By David King on January 23, 2009, 5:36 pmIn category: Albany, Crime & Safety, Electoral Politics, Gotham City | 1 Comment »



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January 23rd, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Kudos to Mayor Bloomberg and all of the mayors like him who are taking a courageous stand against gun crime. Because they’ve been on the front lines, comforting the families of police officers and students shot and killed with crime guns, they don’t accept politics-as-usual on the gun issue. This is America. Of course we can do a better job of keeping guns out of the hands of teenagers and felons while still upholding the 2nd Amendment. It’s a false choice between gun rights and public safety, and the Mayor is right to reject it.
Citizens for Safety is a national nonprofit working to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and youth without abridging the freedoms of American citizens. We ask “Where did the gun come from?” after every shooting to shine a spotlight on the people who illegally arm juveniles and felons. We build support for policies to cut off the supply of guns to criminals and save lives. Always ask, “Where did the gun come from?’