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New Centrist Gun Safety Group to Spend $1.5 Million to Pass Landmark Ballot Measures in Colorado, Oregon Americans for Gun Safety Follows Senator McCain Ads with New Spots Featuring Law Enforcement Urging Voters to Close Gun Show Loophole
Washington, DC—Americans for Gun Safety (AGS), a new national advocacy group, began airing a second round of TV ads this week supporting ballot measures in Colorado and Oregon to close the gun show loophole in those states, bringing its commitment to over The group's first ads featured Senator John McCain (R-AZ), urging a YES vote on both measures and advocating that "with rights come responsibilities," such as keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. The new ads, featuring Denver Manager of Public Safety and former Chief of Police Ari Zavaras and Multnomah County (Portland, OR) Sheriff Dan Noelle, are part of what is believed to be one of the largest media buys in support of a gun safety measure ever. The advertisements ask voters to support local ballot initiatives (Amendment 22 in Colorado, Measure 5 in Oregon) that would close the gun show loophole in each state. Political experts believe the movements to close the loopholes in two Western states, considered friendly to the rights of gun owners, represent a major shift in the environment on gun safety issues. Congress took no action on the gun show loophole this year, despite the widespread call to reduce access to guns by criminals and children after several public shootings, including the assault at Columbine High School. Colorado and Oregon legislators also failed to close the loophole in their states last year. "These states are taking action to keep kids and criminals away from guns, and we are proud to support these critically important ballot measures," said Jonathan Cowan, President of Americans for Gun Safety (AGS). "The gun show loophole is an open invitation to kids and criminals. As part of our philosophy of 'rights and responsibilities,' AGS supports common sense reforms, like closing this loophole, which will increase gun safety while respecting the rights of law-abiding Americans." In another important development announced today, the National Alliance of Stocking Gun Dealers (NASGD), an association of 8,000 licensed firearm dealers across the country, officially endorsed both ballot initiatives. In letters to SAFE Colorado and to Oregon State Senator Ginny Burdick, NASGD President Wain Roberts said, "For far too long, criminal abuses at gun shows [in Colorado and Oregon] and all over the country have gone unchecked. We find [these measures] to be a reasonable and a necessary reform to existing laws, and therefore, it receives our full support and endorsement." Under the loophole, current federal law allows unlicensed sellers to sell firearms at gun shows without performing the criminal background checks that are required for all sales by federally licensed dealers. The loophole allows felons to buy and sell firearms at the shows, no questions asked. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has identified gun shows as a significant source of guns that end up in criminal hands. In the Colorado TV spots, airing in key media markets across the state, Mr. Zavaras speaks to viewers from in front of the Denver Police Memorial, stating: "I've been Denver's Chief of Police, Colorado's Director of Prisons, and…Denver's Manager of Public Safety. I know that convicted felons buy guns at gun shows because of a loophole in our laws. Amendment 22 will close this dangerous loophole by requiring criminal background checks by unlicensed sellers at gun shows. Amendment 22 could mean life or death to a cop. Vote Yes on 22." In the Oregon TV spots, also airing throughout the state, Sheriff Noelle states "As a cop, it's tough enough laying your life on the line without it being easy for criminals to get guns. Convicted felons have been able to buy guns at gun shows because of a loophole in the law—many were later used in crimes. Measure 5 will close this dangerous loophole by requiring criminal background checks by unlicensed sellers at gun shows. It may seem like just common sense to you, but it could mean life or death to a cop." Both officials are well-respected veteran public servants who have dedicated years to protecting the health and safety of their states' citizens. Noelle, a Republican, has spent 29 years in Portland's Police Bureau, fourteen of those as a command officer. Zavaras was Denver's Chief of Police for four years before becoming director of the state Department of Public Safety. He has spent 25 years in law enforcement and public safety. About Americans for Gun SafetyAmericans for Gun Safety is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization that supports the rights of individuals to own guns, and seeks better laws and tougher enforcement of existing laws to help keep guns out of the hands of criminals and children. The AGS website is at www.americansforgunsafety.com. In addition, the AGS Foundation has launched an interactive, educational website at www.agsfoundation.com. Taped copies of the new AGS ads featuring Sheriff Noelle and Mr. Zavaras, as well as the earlier ads featuring Senator John McCain, are available to accredited news organizations and can also be viewed at www.americansforgunsafety.com.
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