By endorsing Obama, declaring “He gets it,” AHSA president Ray Schoenke illustrates how much he doesn’t get it. From huntersandshooters.com:

AHSA Endorses Obama

Obama: He “gets it” Today, as President of the American Hunters and Shooters Association (AHSA), I announced our endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.   Because the gun issue has recently become a factor in the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania, I want to share the remarks I made today: As a gun rights organization we have not come to this decision lightly.  We were formed two years ago because our research shows that millions of gun owners wanted a change.  They not only wanted an organization that would protect their gun rights but an organization that was also committed to the protection of their communities as well as the protection of our lands. We reached out to the Obama campaign several weeks ago to offer our support and approval as was reported by Paul Bedard of US News and World Report. We believe recent attacks on Senator Obama’s stand on the 2nd Amendment and his commitment to our hunting and shooting heritage are unfair and American Hunters and Shooters Association is stepping up to set the record straight. Senator Obama has clearly demonstrated his commitment to the 2nd Amendment by his vote in support of the Vitter amendment to HR 5441, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill of 2007.  This amendment prevents the Government from confiscating guns in a time of crisis or emergency. Imagine how the citizens felt during Hurricane Katrina when government agents kicked in doors to confiscate law abiding citizens’ guns at a time when they needed them the most.  We know Senator Obama “gets it.”  To say that he is an elitist is patently ridiculous. To hunters and shooters everywhere, Senator Obama’s vote demonstrated a fundamental understanding of the meaning of the 2nd Amendment which means he recognizes the individual right of all citizens to keep and bear arms.  Senator Clinton, on the hand, failed to grasp the importance of this critical issue to hunters and shooters and voted against this Amendment.  She turned her back on America’s gun owners. In addition, Senator Obama’s commitment to conservation and protection of our natural resources and access to public lands demonstrates to us his commitment to America’s hunting and shooting heritage. Senator Obama will be a strong and authentic voice for America’s hunters and shooters and it is with great pleasure that we endorse his candidacy. Ray Schoenke Wednesday, April 16, 2008

As I pointed out a couple weeks ago, Obama does have one more pro gun vote than Senator Clinton. In fact, Obama’s support of the Vitter amendment is the only pro-gun vote either of the democrats have cast. So while he may be better than Senator Clinton (which I would question), he is no friend of gun owners. Among other things, Obama has advocated banning handguns, heavy restrictions on semi-autos, and banning FFLs from operating within 5 miles of a park or school. In my hometown of Milwaukee, there would be no FFLs in the county, and only a very few areas in the neighboring counties that an FFL could operate in. More info sportsmenforobama.org.

The American Hunters and Shooters Association’s endorsement of Senator Obama proves yet again that they are no friend to hunter, shooters, and Second Amendment supporters. Notice also that the endorsement does not even mention Senator McCain. While 2A supporters have had their problems with Senator McCain, no one can seriously argue that either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton have a better record on the Second Amendment than Senator McCain. Oh yeah, Schoenke only supports democrats and Brady Campaign friends, so he obviously couldn’t endorse McCain.

Hat tip: Snowflakes in Hell