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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Visionaries:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri>Gary Crabtree has requested a discussion from me
concerning my low rating from the National Rifle Association.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s interesting to me that Mr. Crabtree
did not attend any of the forums, nor take the time to submit a question during
the KRFP interview.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am also
uncomfortable with his vitriolic comments towards people with whom he disagrees
politically.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>After asking me to
respond, he brands my answer “rhetoric” in advance.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>However, he
has raised an issue about which some of you may be curious, so I will give a
candid response.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>I have many friends who are sportsmen, belong
to the NRA, and enjoy their publications.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>I think the organization provides a service that people appreciate.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I also think that, at times, their
political action wing has been over the top.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>This is a
powerful lobbying group in the Idaho Legislature.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Many legislators just produce the votes
the NRA requests because of its powerful influence.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>During my service in the Legislature, I
have not always voted according to their wishes.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have listened to constituents who have
contacted me.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have contacted
attorneys to determine whether the legislation was deemed necessary by
them.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>After weighing all
information, I vote according to what seems most responsible, and I never take
this lightly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>Gun safety is
very important to me.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the most
recent session, the majority passed legislation stipulating that firearms
manufactured exclusively in Idaho would be exempt from federal regulations.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I think that is dangerous and
irresponsible.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Our Attorney General
said it was likely unconstitutional.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>My vote was one of the few against that legislation.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>During my
five terms in the legislature, I have not introduced legislation that would
threaten anybody’s second amendment rights.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have none planned.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Nobody enjoys a low rating from a
political action group, and we should always listen to all sides of an issue
before voting.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But our legislative
decision-making should not be driven by a desire for high ratings. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri>Shirley
Ringo</FONT></P></DIV></BODY></HTML>