Rudy Takes Call During NRA Speech

President restores right to bear arms to convicted felons

(NEWSER) - Second Amendment enthusiasts seem to have a better-than-average chance of winning a presidential pardon as the Bush presidency nears its end, the Wall Street Journal reports. Of the 14 felons pardoned in the last week, seven are fans of hunting or shooting and five say they specifically mentioned their desire to have their right to bear arms restored when they wrote in for a pardon. More»

Biz groups fear increase in office shootings

(NEWSER) - Florida lawmakers have passed a law that prohibits most businesses from banning employees keeping guns in their cars on company property, Reuters reports. Backers hail the measure as a victory for Second Amendment rights. Business groups, fearing an increase in workplace shootings, are urging the governor to veto the so-called "take your gun to work" bill. More»

Move allows 'toxic mix' of guns and booze, opponents complain

(NEWSER) - Concealed-carry permit holders in Ohio will be allowed to bring their guns into bars, restaurants, and open-air arenas serving alcohol—so long as they don't drink—under legislation passed by the state House. Three Republicans joined the chamber's Democratic minority in voting against the controversial bill, the Columbus Dispatch reports. The state Senate has already passed a similar measure, which bans armed Ohioans from drinking alcohol in bars or entering them if they are already under the influence. More»

Group cozies up to pro-gun Democrats, moderates

(NEWSER) - Conservatives are taking aim at the NRA, which they complain has drifted too close to the middle, supporting both moderate Republicans and even some pro-gun Democrats against opposition from the right. The NRA has given 29% of its political contributions this election cycle to Democrats, the most in more than a decade, Politico reports. There was even a rumor that it endorsed Harry Reid in Nevada. More»

Ex-governor has a packed speaking schedule

(NEWSER) - For someone not officially running for anything, Sarah Palin spends an awful lot of time running her mouth. Among highlights from yesterday's soundbite extravaganza, as reported by the AP :

• If Obama and the Dems thought they "could get away with it, they would ban guns and ban ammunition and gut the Second Amendment," Palin, a lifelong NRA member who once had a baby shower at a gun range in Alaska, told the NRA national convention. "It's the job of all of us to stop them in their tracks."