Bramson Calls On Tocci To Return NRA Gun Money

(July 23, 2002) Larchmont, NY - Assemblyman Ron Tocci came under fire today for campaign contributions he has accepted from the National Rifle Association. Joined by local gun control advocates, Tocci's challenger, Noam Bramson, called on the Assemblyman to return the NRA's gun money.

"I call on Assemblyman Tocci to return the NRA's gun money immediately and to explain why he voted repeatedly against common-sense gun safety laws throughout the 1990s," said Bramson.

Bramson's challenge comes just hours after Tocci mailed a taxpayer-funded brochure to his Assembly district portraying himself as a supporter of gun control. The mail piece has angered Westchester residents who have followed the Assemblyman's voting record.

"With one hand Mr. Tocci uses our tax money for a mailing that says he is for gun control. With the other hand, Mr. Tocci takes NRA money for his votes against gun control. It's clear that Westchester families who care about gun safety cannot trust Mr. Tocci to fight for them," said Elise Richman, President of the Westchester Chapter of the Million Mom March.

Tocci has received at least $1,500 from the gun lobby and has received "A" or "A+" ratings from the NRA in two of the last three elections. Tocci voted three times against a ban on assault weapons, voted against raising the age of gun licensing to 21, against requiring two forms of identification for a gun purchase, and against restricting sales at gun shows to licensed gun dealers. Although Tocci reversed course in 2000 and voted in favor of a broad gun control package, he continued to take NRA contributions that year.

"It is bad enough that Mr. Tocci is using taxpayer money to fund his own re-election campaign," said Susan Weisman, Vice President of the Westchester Chapter of the Million Mom March, "but doing so while simultaneously holding on to his NRA gun money is the height of hypocrisy. Tocci should return the money now."

"The National Rifle Association has opposed the interests of families, children, and law enforcement officials throughout New York and the nation," said Jackie Hilly, a children's advocate and local leader on gun safety issues. "Mr. Tocci's willingness to accept support from the NRA is deeply troubling and raises real questions about his commitment to gun safety."

Bramson pledged to be a strong advocate for gun safety laws. "We need a state-wide child access prevention law, standards for child safety locks, tougher restrictions on gun trafficking, and better background checks for rifles and long guns," said Bramson. "Unlike Mr. Tocci, I will be a leader on these important priorities - and I would never accept support from the NRA."

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