NEW from The Wall Street Journal: “The Democratic Party’s New Litmus Test: Gun Control”

This morning, a new piece from The Wall Street Journal explored the changing landscape of the gun violence prevention movement and how candidates are now actively embracing the gun safety issue as they seek support from American voters.

“Democrats running for Congress in 2018 are pushing a muscular gun-control agenda that represents a wholesale repositioning on the hot-button issue. In this year’s midterm election,gun control has become a party litmus test from which few dissent, alongside abortion rights and support for same-sex marriage. …

“The shift has been propelled by new money and organization, as well as an energy among Democratic activists and voters that has pushed candidates into altering their positions, lest they appear out of step with the party’s base. …

“Democratic candidates are following a path forged by Pennsylvania Rep. Conor Lamb, who won a March special election—in a district Mr. Trump carried by 20 percentage points—after highlighting in a TV ad his support for background checks for gun buyers.”

And, for good reason. A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll found Democratic voters rated gun safety the second-most-important political issue after health care.

In fact, in 2018, candidates across the country, of all parties, are actively running on their gun violence prevention bonafides as they seek elected office because when American lives are on the line – their jobs are on the line. So far, more than 2,700 candidates for state and federal office have sought and received the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction after filling out a questionnaire about gun safety laws. This distinction – which is being featured on social media, on mailers and even in television advertisements – lets voters know these candidates pledge to stand up for gun safety if elected into office.

It’s safe to say, the change in gun politics didn’t happen overnight.

In the wake of the Sandy Hook School shooting that took the lives of 20 first graders and six educators, a grassroots movement was born to not only show up in statehouses around the country, but to change the culture of gun safety and ultimately, bring that power to the voting booth.

Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America are all in on 2018. Now, with more than five million supporters, we’re ready to continue the momentum to help save American lives — one vote at a time.

Read more here and if you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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