Newsroom: Press Releases

For audio of the press conference, click here

One day after convincingly winning the Republican primary, Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) received a campaign endorsement from the National Rifle Association (NRA). A Life Member and former NRA Board Member, Stevens has also earned a perfect A+ rating from the NRA for his continued support of Second Amendment legislation.

“From fighting the Brady bill to opposing the Washington, D.C. gun ban, I have worked hard to stand up for law abiding gun owners,” said Senator Stevens. “The attacks on our Second Amendment rights by Senate Democrats could cripple our way of life in Alaska. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and liberal big city mayors would like to take handguns away from Americans who wish to defend themselves. We simply cannot let this happen and it won’t on my watch. I thank the NRA for its unqualified endorsement today, and I am proud of my A+ rating. I look forward to working with the NRA to defend the Second Amendment rights of Alaskans during the next six years. ”

In its endorsement letter, the NRA Political Victory Fund (PVF) Chairman Chris Cox praised Stevens and pledged unwavering support through his reelection efforts (full letter is attached).

“I am pleased to inform you that based on your tireless and consistent support for the Second Amendment during your 40 years of service in the United States Senate, you have earned the endorsement of the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund in your 2008 reelection campaign,” wrote Cox. “For almost four decades, you have always stood with America’s gun owners and sportsmen to protect our firearms freedoms, earning an ‘A+’ rating from the NRA-PVF for your many years of support for our Second Amendment rights and hunting heritage.”

Senator Stevens was joined by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) at today’s press conference, where she told Alaskans that supporting Senator Stevens’ re-election was essential to preserving their guns rights.

“There hasn’t been anybody who has been a greater stalwart, a greater leader in this area than Senator Stevens,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m working side-by-side with him as he works to protect the Second Amendment rights for all Americans and for those of us here in Alaska.”

Local Second Amendment advocates took part in the press conference to discuss why Senator Stevens is the best candidate to protect Alaskans’ right to bear arms.

“It’s crucial that we elect Senator Stevens,” said Gail Phillips, the former Alaska State Speaker of the House. “It’s crucial that we elect other Senators like him so that if the unforeseen were to happen and Senator Obama was elected President, at least we’d have somebody in Congress to fight for our side. So everyone – we need to support Senator Stevens.”

Senator Stevens has a long history of supporting the NRA and the rights of gun owners:

FOUGHT BRADY BILL WAITING PERIOD: Senator Stevens led the fight against the Brady bill waiting period and crafted the compromise to allow an instant check instead.

BLOCKED PLAN TO IMPOSE BACKGROUND CHECK FEES ON GUN BUYERS: Senator Stevens opposed a plan to require people buying guns to pay for a background check. That cost is now borne solely by the government.

SUPPORTED 2nd AMENDMENT IN SUPREME COURT: As a lawyer admitted to practice before the Supreme Court, Senator Stevens signed a brief opposing the D.C. gun ban. The Court listened. The court case reaffirmed our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

OPPOSED GUN BAN ON FEDERAL LANDS: Senator Stevens has unequivocally supported hunting rights of Alaskans. He blocked efforts to ban guns on federal lands. Now he’s cosponsoring legislation to allow guns in national parks and to protect conceal- carry rights across state lines.

SUPPORTS HUNTERS: Senator Stevens works with sportsmen’s groups to ensure healthy wildlife populations and supports hunting and guiding on federal lands.