Billy Hewes Campaign for Lt. Governor announced today that Senator Hewes received the A rating from the National Rifle Association.
In a letter to Hewes, NRA-ILA State Liaison Tara Reilly Mica wrote that Hewes received the rating for his “long history of support for Second Amendment issues in the Mississippi Legislature. These include NRA-backed ‘Castle Doctrine’ legislation clarifying law-abiding citizens’ right to protect themselves in their homes, vehicles or places of business; an NRA-supported bill protecting existing shooting ranges from encroachment, so that law enforcement and civilians will continue to have safe places to train and recreate with their firearms; and measures rolling back restrictions on where concealed carry permit holders may lawfully protect themselves, such as state parks.”
Hewes Spokesman Keith Plunkett agrees with the NRA that Hewes dedication to the Second Amendment is strong and unwavering.
“Senator Hewes’ work on protecting our Second Amendment Rights is not a political thing for him,” said Plunkett. “Over the time I have known him and his family, I have known him to be very passionate about this subject. He and I both come from families with strong outdoor traditions and it is one of the things that impressed me about him immediately.
It is unfortunate that our opponent would take a Second Amendment stance for political show,” Plunkett added. “He only got a hunting license back in February after he qualified to run for Lt. Governor. When a guy doesn’t sign up for a hunting license until he’s running for office, it’s obvious that all he’s hunting for is votes. Mississippi gun owners and hunters deserve more respect than that.”
“I have been hunting and fishing with my family and friends for my entire life,” said Hewes of the NRA support. “For me, it is about maintaining the traditions of our forefathers, and passing those traditions along to our children. It is also about taking responsibility for our own personal protection. I am proud of my legislative record when it comes to the Second Amendment.”
Billy Hewes Press Release
7/19/11