Fairfax, VA. - The National Rifle Association's (NRA) Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) Chairman Chris W. Cox are traveling across the state of Louisiana today on a multi-city tour to announce the endorsement of Congressman Bobby Jindal (R-1) for Louisiana Governor.
"Congressman Jindal has a solid record of protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans," said LaPierre. "I'm proud to travel with him throughout this great state to announce his NRA-PVF endorsement. I know he will continue to protect the rights of hunters and gun owners as Louisiana Governor."
"Bobby Jindal is an effective voice for his constituents in Louisiana and throughout the country," said Cox. "He stepped up to the plate in Congress to make sure that the illegal gun-confiscations that happened after Hurricane Katrina, never happen again in New Orleans or anywhere else in America. He is the kind of leader Louisiana gun owners need on their side."
Jindal said, "In Louisiana, we proudly value our constitutional rights, including the important Second Amendment right to bear arms. This is, after all, Sportsmen's Paradise, and that is why it was even more shocking when some government bureaucrats decided to confiscate guns from law-abiding citizens after Hurricane Katrina. Many New Orleans residents were left powerless to defend themselves and their families in their own homes, while they were at their most vulnerable, with no electricity or communication to call for help.
"I was proud to work with the NRA to pass legislation that will stop bureaucrats from ever trying this again. As I said when I kicked off my campaign on Monday, Louisiana should not tolerate incompetence from government for one moment longer. It is time we declare war on the incompetence, corruption and out-of-control spending that has held our state back for too long. I am honored to have the endorsement of the National Rifle Association in my campaign to bring Louisiana a fresh start."
Soon after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, Mayor Ray Nagin ordered gun confiscations from every law abiding gun owner in the city. During a time when there were widespread looting and heinous crimes being committed, law-abiding residents were forced to surrender their firearms at gun-point while the criminals ran rampant. A court ruled Mayor Nagin's actions illegal and ordered him to cease and desist his actions and return the firearms.
After witnessing this blatant disregard of the Bill of Rights by Mayor Nagin, Congressman Jindal was instrumental in authoring and leading the passage of the "Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act" in the U.S. House of Representatives to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens during a future state of emergency or natural disaster. On October 4, 2006, President Bush signed this historic legislation into law ensuring that state and local governments can't disarm law-abiding gun owners during a declared state of emergency.
Congressman Jindal's strong, pro-gun voting record has earned him an "A+" rating and endorsement by NRA-PVF.
Locations and times of events are as follows:
Baton Rouge, La. - 8 A.M.
Louisiana State University Museum of Arts, Shaw Center for the Arts
Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Board Room, 3rd Level
100 Lafayette St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Monroe, La. - 10 A.M.
Ray's Pe Ge Restaurant
8209 DeSiard St.
Monroe, LA 71203
Shreveport, La. - 12:10 P.M.
Southfield Grill
317 Southfield Rd.
Shreveport, LA 71105
Alexandria, La. - 2 P.M.
Diamond Grill
924 Third St.
Alexandria, LA 71301
Lafayette, La. - 4 P.M.
Randol's Restaurant
2320 Kaliste Saloom Rd.
Lafayette, LA
"Louisiana's gun owners value their right to own firearms, and Bobby Jindal is the best candidate to help them preserve that freedom." Cox continued, "We urge all NRA members and gun owners to support Congressman Jindal for Louisiana Governor."
Chris Cox also serves as Executive Director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA).
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Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.
