Steelman makes PR event of buying son a gun

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Sarah Steelman emphasized her support for the Second Amendment by making a public show Wednesday of her purchase of a gun for her 13-year-old son.

Steelman held various rifles to her eye while pretending to set her sights on a target as she and her son, Michael, shopped for a gun as his delayed birthday present. She also posed for a news conference in front of display cases of handguns and bullets.

"I'm just expressing my love of the Constitution," Steelman told reporters invited to the event at Ammo Alley near Jefferson City. "I'm letting people know that I have a record that is very supportive of Second Amendment rights."

She cited her support as a state senator of a 2003 law allowing Missourians to carry concealed guns. She also pledged as governor to protect the right to bear arms, though she offered no specific proposals.

Steelman, currently the state treasurer, is competing with U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof for the Republican nomination for governor. Both have emphasized their socially conservative viewpoints. Last week, for example, Hulshof and Steelman each traveled through southwest Missouri highlighting their support for more abortion restrictions.

In response to Steelman's event Wednesday, Hulshof campaign spokesman Scott Baker noted that Hulshof also is a "staunch proponent of the Second Amendment," supports the right to carry a concealed weapon and previously has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association.

Republican Gov. Matt Blunt is not seeking re-election. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate is Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Ammo Alley owner Doug Alley said the event marked the first time he had talked with Steelman. Alley said he has not committed to support any particular gubernatorial candidate.

"I'm a fellow who votes for a person who would do the job the best," Alley said.

Would Steelman's gun purchase influence his choice?

"I can't say it would, but it certainly wouldn't hurt," Alley said.

For the record: Steelman passed the required background check and bought a Marlin Model 917S rifle, suited primarily for target practice and hunting small game such as rabbits and squirrels. The rifle cost $269.99. With tax and bullets, the total came to $303.74. She also got a free, yellow Ammo Alley T-shirt.