Rep. J.R. Hoell and Hon. John Burt: Gun rights are in the crosshairs | Op-eds | unionleader.com
IN THE Live Free or Die State, we take the Constitution and our God-given rights seriously. The Second Amendment is one such right that has not only been a cornerstone of our freedoms but has also helped make New Hampshire one of the safest states in New England and the entire country.
This level of safety and security didn’t happen by accident or luck — it’s the result of consistently electing strong leaders like Chuck Morse, who are committed to protecting our rights as gun owners. As we approach the upcoming Republican primary on September 10th, there is only one candidate we can trust to steadfastly support our Second Amendment rights: Chuck Morse.
As leadership members of Chuck Morse for Governor’s “Second Amendment Coalition,” we are proud to highlight Chuck’s unwavering support for the firearms community. Chuck’s record speaks for itself. Unlike Kelly Ayotte, who has not only been silent on the issue of strengthening gun rights but has also actively undermined them, Chuck Morse has consistently taken a stand to defend the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms.
The right for New Hampshire families to defend themselves and their property is not just a philosophical stance; it is a practical necessity, especially in light of the rising crime rates driven by Joe Biden’s open border policies.
New Hampshire’s “castle doctrine” legislation, which allows individuals to protect themselves and their homes without the duty to retreat, made this a reality. Chuck Morse was a key supporter of this legislation while serving as a state senator, and his advocacy was crucial in its passage. This law earned widespread support from Second Amendment advocates across the Granite State because it ensured that law-abiding citizens had the legal backing to defend themselves when faced with threats.
Unfortunately, not everyone supported this vital piece of legislation. Kelly Ayotte, who was serving as attorney general at the time, opposed castle doctrine. One would expect the state’s chief law enforcement officer to be a staunch defender of our Constitution and our Second Amendment rights. However, Ayotte chose to abandon the Second Amendment and the Granite Staters’ right to self-defense.
Chuck Morse has always been a reliable advocate for our Second Amendment rights. His leadership is not just a promise — it’s proven. In 2017, while serving as Senate president, Chuck Morse played a pivotal role in co-sponsoring and passing “Constitutional Carry” legislation. This landmark law allows New Hampshire gun owners to carry concealed firearms without a permit throughout the Granite State. This move was a significant step forward in reaffirming the rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves without unnecessary government interference. It demonstrated Chuck’s deep commitment to the principles enshrined in our Constitution.
Moreover, when Joe Biden took office, bringing with him a wave of potential federal overreach, Chuck Morse was proactive in ensuring that New Hampshire’s rights remained protected. Understanding the risks posed by potential executive orders that could infringe upon Second Amendment rights, Senate President Chuck Morse helped pass legislation that prevents local police officers from enforcing any federal gun regulations imposed by executive order. This preemptive measure was a bold stand against federal overreach and a testament to Chuck’s dedication to safeguarding our freedoms.
As New Hampshire looks to elect its next governor, it is essential that we choose a leader who has a proven track record of defending our Second Amendment rights. Chuck Morse is that leader. He has consistently demonstrated that he is not afraid to stand up for the rights of Granite Staters, even in the face of political pressure.
In contrast, Kelly Ayotte’s recent mailers are filled with misleading claims about Chuck’s record in a desperate attempt to distract voters from her own lackluster and, frankly, troubling record on gun rights.
This election is about more than just choosing a governor; it’s about choosing the future of our freedoms. That’s why we, as leaders of the Second Amendment community, have come together to form a coalition dedicated to supporting Chuck Morse. We know that under his leadership, our rights will be protected.
Our coalition is composed of dedicated Second Amendment advocates who have been on the front lines fighting to ensure your rights as gun owners remain intact.
We cannot afford to elect a leader who has shown a willingness to compromise our fundamental rights. Chuck Morse has proven time and time again that he is the only candidate who can be trusted to uphold the Second Amendment and protect our liberties. For the sake of our families, our communities, and our state, the choice is clear: Chuck Morse is the right choice for governor.
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Rep. J.R. Hoell, R-Dunbarton, represents Merrimack District 27 and is secretary of the New Hampshire Firearms Coalition. John Burt of Goffstown was a member of the House from 2010 to 2022.