LETTERS: SEN. HOWARD AND NRA

To the editor:

It has come to my attention that some of the campaign material state Sen. Jerry Howard has distributed is somewhat misleading. The material has a bit of information that could possibly be misconstrued as a recent National Rifle Association of America endorsement. It is not.

The information in the campaign material states the views of Lauren Rowley, Missouri state liaison for the NRA, who held that position until 1994. Her letter thanks the senator for his stand on pre-emption (pre-emption takes away a city or local municipality's ability to pass gun-control laws more restrictive than the state). I would like to add that I too thank him for his stand on pre-emption. However, it is important to not that this is not an endorsement by the NRA for his race in November for the 25th District senatorial seat.

To double-check this fact, I placed a call to the current Missouri state legislative liaison, John Hosford. Mr. Hosford told me Jerry Howard was "neither endorsed by the NRA, nor would he be in this election cycle." I am sending this letter only to clarify any misunderstanding that our district NRA members or concerned firearms owners might have about officially NRA-endorsed candidates.

Concerned firearms owners would be well advised to consider recent gun issues this November when voting, especially legal concealed-carry legislation. Please consider whether your chosen candidate has or would help this legislation. Or would they hinder your Second Amendment rights?

ALBERT L. BOEVING

Poplar Bluff