As you know I played a pivotal role in helping defeat the anti-freedom gun vote in the Senate a week or so back.  My letters to Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss convinced them to vote in favor of the Second Amendment. 

Johnny’s office sent me a “thanks” email for my efforts.  Saxby replied with a more substantial, if generic reading, response.  I have included it for you:

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“Dear Honorable Lovett:

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Your taking time to contact me is appreciated.

I have always been and remain a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, and it is Congress’ responsibility to make sure that Americans’ constitutional rights are protected. We must make certain that the rights and freedoms of law-abiding citizens are not unfairly impeded. I believe that the ability of sportsmen, hunters, gun enthusiasts and citizens concerned with their personal safety to own a gun, whether for sport or protection, is clearly defined in the Constitution and must not be compromised.

In response to recent tragic and high-profile acts of violence, there has been a renewed focus on government regulation of guns. Congress has had an extensive and detailed debate about the potential causes of these crimes, including mental health issues, depictions of violence in television, movies, and video games, and firearms.

It is my belief that implementing improved background checks could significantly impact the ability of individuals who are a danger to themselves and to others from obtaining guns. For this reason, I voted in favor of the Grassley/Graham/Cruz amendment # 725 to S. 649, the “Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013,” to improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and to address mental illness in the justice system. Ultimately, this amendment failed on April 17, 2013 by a 52-48 vote margin.

Additionally, Senators Manchin, Toomey, and Schumer offered amendment # 715, which in certain instances would criminalize the private transfer of firearms by law-abiding citizens. Specifically, this amendment would require individuals who sell their firearms to lifelong friends, neighbors, and even family members to obtain the federal government’s permission to exercise a fundamental right or face prosecution. I voted against the Manchin-Toomey amendment #715, which failed passage by a 54-46 vote margin.

The dialogue regarding acts of violence will likely continue with additional legislative proposals seeking to address the underlying causes. As Congress continues this conversation, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance to you in the future. In the meantime, if you would like to receive timely e-mail alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site at: www.chambliss.senate.gov.”

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Yes, I’m sure the above response was canned and ready in an intern’s computer, but it was nice to hear back.  Click on that last link if you live in Georgia and want to add anything to our dialogue.  Together we can make a difference!