Bramson and Tocci Spar Over Gun Control:
NRA contributions, Voting Records and Leadership

( July 25, 2002) Noam Bramson and Ron Tocci, opponents in the Democratic primary race for the 91st Assembly District, traded claims over their respective leadership on gun safety and presented competing visions of Mr. Tocci’s record.

Noam Bramson is calling on Ron Tocci “to return the NRA’s gun money immediately and to explain why he voted repeatedly against common-sense gun safety laws throughout the 1990’s.” Campaign finance reports show that New York State Assemblyman Tocci received contributions from the National Rifle Association, including $250 in 2000, the year in which he voted in favor of gun control legislation. (See “Bramson Calls on Tocci to Return NRA Gun Money")

In response, Tocci said, “I am an advocate of sensible gun control laws and stand by my record of supporting several important gun control measures that were opposed by the NRA. “ He explained that he opposed bills which he called “not comprehensive enough to protect our families and neighborhoods from gun violence and stood little chance of becoming law.” (See Assemblyman Ron Tocci: Keeping Sound Shore Families Safe From Guns.)

Bramson and his supporters criticize Tocci’s recent mailing entitled “Keeping Westchester families safe.” “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,” said Elise Richman, President of the Westchester Chapter of the Million Mom March.

The mailer is part of the Assemblyman’s regular communications to his constituents, explained Tocci campaign manager Bob Carreau. Each assemblyperson has a specific mailing budget and can decide what and when to communicate with the residents of a district.

“What’s absurd is the claim that the Assemblyman takes money from anyone on votes," said Carreau. “The Assemblyman voted for the bill that banned assault weapons and required safety locks in 2000, “ stated Carreau, and added, “Noam Bramson has nothing to say about what he would do on gun control or child safety.”

“Tocci voted against the assault weapons ban, for example, “ counters Jackie Hilly a Bramson supporter and gun safety advocate with New Yorkers against Gun Violence. Hilly said, “Tocci has not been a leader in the issues of safe storage” during years when she lobbied Albany for school safety issues with the Westchester PTA.

Gun control has been a recurring theme of the Bramson campaign. In his latest release, he said, “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.”

The gun control issue will likely recur as Bramson and Tocci continue their bids to be the Democratic candidate in the November general election for the 91st District Assembly seat.

Send this page to a friend

Discuss this topic in our forums, or send a letter to the editors.