Presidential Candidates Talk Sportsmen's Issues with USSA

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Like so many other states during the last 90 days, Ohio has taken its turn as the center of the political storm. The Republican candidates for the White House were crisscrossing the Buckeye state to make their case to voters for the “Super Tuesday” primary.

This full court press, in the backyard of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance’s national headquarters, provided staff leadership a chance to visit and have dialogue with the campaigns and candidates.

On Monday, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum agreed to sit down to talk about the most important issues facing sportsmen with USSA staff. Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO; Rob Sexton, Senior Vice President; Doug Jeanneret, Vice President of Marketing; and Evan Heusinkveld, Director of State Services, spent 30 minutes with the presidential hopeful at an American Legion hall.

“I have spent my career fighting to preserve the Second Amendment and the traditions of the sportsman, and I will continue working to ensure these rights are never infringed upon,” Sen. Santorum said. “I have to admit though, that one of the best things about being on this campaign was the Iowa pheasant hunts – and the high point for me was watching my oldest son take his first pheasant.”

Before the meeting, the Santorum campaign provided information on his views on hunting and Second Amendment rights. Click here to read the Santorum document in its entirety. USSA will publish Sen. Santorum’s responses to questions asked by USSA leadership on the organization’s website www.ussportsmen.org.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s campaign also provided information explaining his views on hunting and the Second Amendment. Click here to read the Romney document in its entirety.

Governor Romney recently addressed his feelings regarding our outdoor heritage during a campaign stop in Ohio on Feb. 29, 2012.

“My own view is, lets protect the second amendment, lets protect the right of Americans to bear arms, whether for hunting, for sportsmen, for personal protection, for whatever legal purpose someone might have,” Romney said.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance was pleased to have a discourse with both candidates.

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“Given that one of these two men could very likely lead our country, it is vital for sportsmen to have every chance to learn more about where they stand on hunting, conservation and gun rights,” Bud Pidgeon said. “We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to visit, and will continue to provide information on the candidates whenever possible.”

About USSA: The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance’s watchdog efforts protect hunters’ rights and the interests of anglers, trappers and recreational shooters in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress, and through many public education programs. The USSA has more than 150,000 registered Sentries that regularly receive information about conservation issues, and then they actively work to promote and protect scientific conservation through calls and contacts. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the Sentry program, call (614) 888-4868 or visit: www.ussportsmen.org.

Photo credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service