Newtown, National Gun Groups Spend Over $130K for Gov. Race in Connecticut

Groups on both sides of the gun debate have been pouring money into Connecticut, hoping to influence the outcome of the state election between Democrat Gov. Dannel Malloy and Republican Tom Foley. The issue of gun control has been at the forefront of the gubernatorial race causing local and national groups to get involved.

The Federal Capital Communications Corporation has given over $56,000 to Newtown-based National Shooting Sports Foundation for mailings that “issue advocacy voter education,” according to Fox CT News.The NSSF has been under fire since the Sandy Hook School shootings for their stance on gun rights.

Former Congresswoman and gun control advocate Gabriel Giffords’ advocacy group American for Responsible Solutions PAC donated approximately $44,000 to Common Sense Connecticut for polling services, according to The Hartford Courant.

Other monies received for this election include $136,566 for state and local races, according to filings with the State Elections Enforcement Commission. Pro-gun groups contributions are over $63,000, compared to the $75,000 for those that support stricter gun laws.

Local advocate groups are getting involved for the race for governor. The Newtown Action Alliance (NAA) joined the ENOUGH Campaign and the Greenwich Council Against Gun Violence for a peaceful demonstration during New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s appearance at Foley’s campaign fundraiser on Tuesday. The protest was to call attention to the importance of protecting Connecticut’s gun safety laws. Newtown Action Alliance works to reduce gun violence in America.

This is the first statewide election since the Sandy Hook School shootings in 2012 and the new firearms restrictions of 2013.

Photo: Newtown Action Alliance

What do you think of these campaign contributions? Tell us in the comments.

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