An article in the Herald last week noted that Jamie Eldridge received the endorsement of the NRA. What a wonderful world we live in where a “progressive” can get the NRA endorsement while advocating for Single Payer Healthcare. Perhaps the Jamie is working hand in hand with gun owners to keep those Single Payer doctors busy by receiving support from the NRA.
The Boston Herald
August 17, 2007 Friday
ALL EDITIONS
Progressive’ Dem guns for Meehan’s seat with NRA OK
By DAVE WEDGE
A lawmaker who has painted himself as the most “progressive” candidate in the crowded field vying for former U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan’s seat has been backed by the nation’s leading right-wing gun lobbyists.
State Rep. Jamie B. Eldridge, who is among five Democrats running for Meehan’s post, received the highest rating possible from the National Rifle Association. He also received an A-plus – the highest possible grade – from the Gun Owner’s Action League, which is Massachusetts’ official NRA chapter. Both organizations endorsed the Acton Democrat in his 2006 re-election to the House.
“I’ve been someone who has worked with hunters,” Eldridge said of his support from the gun groups. “There’s a fair amount of hunters in my district. I believe there is a right to bear arms, but I think it’s a limited right.”
While he has supported several pro-hunting bills, Eldridge said he voted in favor of a 2004 assault weapons ban and the Brady Bill, both of which have been opposed by the NRA.
According to the GOAL Web site, candidates who have “consistently voted to support gun rights in the state legislature” receive an A. Eldridge is one of 31 Democratic members of the House endorsed by GOAL in the 2006 election. The group endorsed 11 of 19 House Republicans.
Eldridge makes no mention of his gun stance, or the high grades from the NRA and GOAL, on his Web site.
He has been an outspoken critic of the Iraq war and despite his NRA and GOAL backing, says he supports measures to crack down on gun shows, which allow easy access to firearms.
“I support some measures of gun control but, but I also have been responsive to requests from hunters in my district,” he said.
you seem to imply that a person can’t be progressive and also support limited gun ownership. i don’t buy that false dichotomy. the 2nd amendment exists. only fascists like bush try to deny the fact of the constitution. sounds like jamie has been good at finding a pragmatic middle ground. a smart person realizes the difference between a shot gun and an assault rifle. good for jamie!
I really don’t see the problem, if there’s a problem at all. So Jamie Eldridge has supported some measures designed to help hunters — so what? What I’m more puzzled by is the apparent defensiveness downthread of Jamie’s campaign manager. I’m not the slightest bit bothered by the NRA or GOAL or whoever having backed Jamie in the past. What I care about is Jamie’s stance on the issues — i.e., does he want to crack down on gun shows, does he want to try to control assault weapons, and does he support instant background checks? Since the answers are yes yes and yes, I see no “progressive” problem here.
I’m Jeremy Wade, and as Jamie Eldridge’s campaign manager, I’d like to set the record straight.
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p> First of all, Jamie has not been endorsed by the NRA or GOAL in this congressional race.
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p> Jamie has always supported gun control measures. In 2004, when the Assault Weapons Ban expired at the federal level, Jamie voted to pass an identical ban in Massachusetts. He has always supported the Brady Bill and, as he stated in the Herald article, banning the sale of firearms at gun shows. He has been consistent and clear on these issues.
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p> He also supports the right of sportsmen to use rifles responsibly for hunting. This explains why GOAL and the NRA have supported Eldridge in the past. He has not, however, sacrificed his progressive values or pandered to the gun lobby.
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p> Because of Jamie’s positions on gun control at the federal level, he neither sought nor received the support of GOAL or the NRA in his run for congress and any claims that they have endorsed him are absolutely false. Jamie Eldridge is the most progressive Democrat in this race and his stances on the issues have always reflected that.
Jeremy –
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Did Wedge call you for a comment, or did he lift those quotes from a previous comment Jamie had made?
The reporter did call Jamie for a comment and Jamie reiterated the points that he has always made when discussing these issues.
Boy oh Boy….Caught again…in his run in the 37th Eldridge was FOR anything to get him elected, except individual rights and people obeying the law and personal responsibility…Now in this run and his “NEW PROGRESSIVE” he’s against everything, EXCEPT to take every penny anyone has and give it to others, as HE determines it should be handed out..come out and admit it, your a socialist! At least be proud of SOMETHING…And like Jamie, his Manager is FULL OF BULL…Jamie was not endorsed by GOAL or the NRA, IN THIS ELECTION as they have not (as of 20 minutes ago) endorsed anyone!!
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NICE try slick!
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OH by the way the ACTBLUE folks FAILED to mention one item about fund raising…”Jamie” gave 5 of the 10K he is alleged to have raised to himself….
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The rats are deserting the ship and the socialist is going down… Oh and nice prediction on the War…”The war is lost”…got that from your wealth of military experience no doubt…now thats turned around (more so than it had been, if anyone had bothered to read anything other than the Times or the Globe) how ya doing
It’s turned around? Victory is at hand?
If you check MassScorecard Jamie was against the charter school moratorium and against the meals tax to fund local services, including schools. If I wanted those positions, I could get the real deal with James Miceli.
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Barry Feingold isn’t any better.
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I think it’s about time we elect a woman to Congress.
can you think for yourself or do you just need to be told what to think? Obviously “Jamie” (chick’s name)can walk and chew gum at same time.
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Politics is not a religion my child.
The 2nd Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms has absolutely NOTHING to do with hunting.
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If he was a 2nd Amendment supporter he would not have voted for any gun control.