As the push to pass gun control legislation hits its peak and individuals like NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg spend millions to sway Senate votes, Democrat Senators in red states are stepping back to say they don’t take marching orders from Bloomberg.
In total, five Democrat Senators in red states are up for reelection and a visible alliance with Bloomberg or anyone as equally anti-gun will spell their political demise in 2014. (Until Sens. Tim Johnson and Jay Rockefeller announced their retirements the number of Democrat Senators in red states up for re-election in 2014 was seven.)
The five Senators are Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and Kay Hagan (D-N.C.).
While all these Senators have at least become a bit more “skeptical” toward the current gun control offerings, Sen. Pryor has said flatly, “I don’t take gun advice from the Mayor of NYC. I listen to Arkansans.”
NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre predicted as much during a March 24 appearance on Meet the Press when he said of Bloomberg, “He can’t buy America.”