Posted on 06/27/2002 6:44:50 AM PDT by technochick99
James J. Baker, the longtime lobbyist for the National Rifle Association (NRA), is stepping down to join the Federalist Group, a GOP lobbying outfit, the National Journal reported May 11.
Baker has served as executive director of the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action for nearly two decades.
NRA insiders said that Baker's departure is a blow to the gun-rights organization. Baker had built a reputation on Capital Hill as a strong advocate. "Jim Baker is a worthy adversary," said Matt Bennett, a spokesman for Americans for Gun Safety. "He's smart, cunning, ruthless, and very effective."
Chris Cox, 32, an NRA lobbyist for the past seven years and a former aide to Rep. John S. Tanner (D-Tenn.), will be replacing Baker. Cox previously served as the NRA's deputy director of federal affairs and led the organization's lobbying efforts against campaign finance reform.
Baker said he would continue to represent the NRA, as well as the National Shooting Sports Foundation, several gun manufacturers, and Second Chance Body Armor, in his position at the Federalist Group.
join the Federalist Group, a GOP lobbying outfit, ...
The NRA is a GOP lobbying outfit.
Baker had built a reputation on Capital Hill as a strong advocate. "Jim Baker is a worthy adversary," said Matt Bennett, a spokesman for Americans for Gun Safety. "He's smart, cunning, ruthless, and very effective."
When your so-called "enemies" praise you, then you are not an effective lobbyst. What Matt Bennett meant was "We were always able to get the NRA to endorse our viewpoint in the long run, and we're sorry to see Baker go. We're worried that he might get replace by someone with a spine."
Normally I wouldn't respond to some (.) who starts out insulting me by accusing me of "whining" It was just a matter of time before you or someone equally blind came frothing at the mouth when anyone criticizes the nation's largest pro gun control organization. "My NRA right or wrong." How about you coming up with pro gun legislation that the NRA has sponsored - The "instant background check" Yeah, real pro gun there. I know - "project exile" woops, never mind this emphasizes enforcement of unconstitutional laws. I know, GC '68 where the NRA said that the form 4473s were a compromise that we could live with. Hmmm, that doesn't seem to qualify as pro gun either.
Since you are so hot to defend the NRA why don't you defend their actions instead of trying to change the subject.
I see, anyone who disagrees with your assessment is whining. I belonged to GOA and the NRA since I'm not happy currently with either one, I'm sending my $$$ to JPFO and CSG (southeastern gun owner rights group). I have been lobbying at the state level for a long time. Oh, and just for you, since anyone who disgarees with you is a whiner, then you shouldn't mind if I consider anyone who is rude (like you) and who is unable to do anything to defend his position (like you) is an (.)
One thing I do like about the other gun rights groups is that they at least visibly stand up for all shooters. Notice that incoming Director Chris Cox' introductory media picture is a just another clone of all of the rest of the skeet geeks in the NRA Board of Directors: Over and under pigeon-grade 16-gauge cracked open at the action, resting butt-first over a padded skeet jacket, yellow safety glasses, and a big smile.
I guess that's better than the pictures of some shooters they could use, but the NRA shouldn't always project the image that it's all about freedom to drive your Eddie Bauer signature Ford Explorer to the skeet range with your chocolate Lab in tow.
I remain a proud NRA lifer, and will always continue to do so, but I am starting to get the idea that the NRA Board thinks that the Second Amendment uses the phrase 'Do not throw where hogs feed'.
In your dreams it's because of the NRA. There were and are a number of organizations involved in this. With the local organizations carrying much more of the weight than the ever willing to compromise your rights away NRA.
Every state association has a tie in with the NRA.
Wrong again. There are some state associations with ties to the NRA, Some with ties to GOA, and some with no ties to any national organization. CSG GA and CSG AL had ties to the NRA in 1991 and 1992, but broke away because of the compromise issue. Currently they are not affiliated with any national organization.
No other organization works on the local, state and National level with the NRA even involved in school board fights.Wrong yet again. GOA and CCRKBA (Alan Gottlieb's organization) both are both involved at all levels.
The NRA is the leader in the fight to keep gun ranges open.
Yes you finally got one right.
No other group has a program like the Eddie Eagle program in schools.
Two right in a row.
The NRA hosts thousands of shooting matches a year. No other group comes close.
Three right in a row - who's helping you?
Where does the NRA lead - in the shooting sports - no argument there. They're great at organizing competitions. Where does the NRA fall on it's $75 haircut face? In the legislative and 2nd Amendment area. The fact is that the NRA endorses gun control as a matter of policy. Rather than mobilizing their recources to flat out oppose it, they always give in in the end. I suggest that you find out about "project exile" If you then have the nerve to come back and post the blatant lie that the NRA is working to restore gun rights then you are beyond hope. You are one of the many posters on this forum whose ego will not let them admit their ignorance. I was part of the lobbying effort here in GA for many years and I saw first hand what the NRA did was different than what they say. Open your mind and learn (or not - I really don't give a rat's ass what you think)
INdeed!
"Obsessed" pretty well sums it up!
How would you know ? Just continue to believe in lies and ignore the facts. We'll get our stuff done without egotistical idiots who are unable to ascertain reality from their own dreams - like you.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.