New Demand Justice, Giffords Ads Urge Senators to Oppose Trump’s Anti-Gun Safety Pick VanDyke

VanDyke Confirmation Vote Follows Oral Arguments for NRA Case Before Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, DC—On Friday, Demand Justice and Giffords announced a digital ad campaign calling on senators to reject the nomination of Lawrence VanDyke to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals based on his history of opposing firearms regulations, including background checks on gun sales.

The ads target Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

Last month, Giffords Law Center issued sharp opposition to VanDyke’s nomination for his history of complete allegiance to the gun lobby. VanDyke is clearly biased against gun violence prevention regulations––calling them “misdirected”––and has publicly declared his allegiance to the National Rifle Association. He opposes even the most popular common-sense policies, such as stronger background checks and restricted access to high-capacity magazines.

Said Demand Justice Chief Counsel Christopher Kang:

“Lawrence VanDyke would use his lifetime judicial appointment to advance the NRA’s latest strategy––using our courts to strike down common-sense measures to prevent gun violence. Senators cannot claim to be horrified by mass shootings and then vote for a judge who will reject any effort to address them.”

Said Giffords Managing Director Robin Lloyd:

“Lawrence VanDyke’s pledged fealty to the gun lobby’s agenda disqualifies him from a lifetime judicial appointment. He has built a record opposing gun safety measures approved by voters, legislators and the courts, no matter what. We are proud to partner with Demand Justice to warn senators that approving VanDyke will put lives at risk by putting a proponent of an extreme, unprecedented view of the Second Amendment on the federal bench. If the Senate cares about ensuring that the people’s elected representatives retain the ability to craft solutions to the nation’s ongoing gun violence crisis, they must vote no on VanDyke.”

An example of the ad appears below.

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