In the competitive realm of American politics, financial power is as vital as the backing of loyal voters. Thus the recent decision of the prominent gun regulation group, Everytown for Gun Safety, to pledge $45 million towards the 2020 elections comes as a strategic maneuver that has the potential to tilt the scales in favor of candidates favoring gun regulation.
Everytown for Gun Safety, established in 2006 as Mayors Against Illegal Guns, is now a leading advocacy group for gun regulation in the United States. Enjoying considerable backing from former New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg, among other powerful figures, the organization has gradually swelled its influence over American politics, in tandem with its budget.
The $45 million pledge announced for the impending election far outstrips their previous commitment of $30 million in the 2018 midterms. This significant uptick in financial backing demonstrates a firm commitment by the group to affect change in legislation and public sentiment surrounding firearms safety.
The systematic distribution of these funds will aim to support the electoral campaigns of pro-gun regulation candidates. Primarily, these are candidates who subscribe to the thought of stringent background checks and Red Flag laws, which empower authorities to confiscively seize firearms of individuals perceived as threats to themselves or the public.
Everytown’s strategy pervades beyond the presidential elections. Their $45 million pledge will be spread methodically across presidential, congressional, and state-level campaigns, effectively creating inroads to influence legislation at diverse tiers of government, and is expected to span from Arizona to Texas, and Minnesota to Pennsylvania.
A cornerstone principle that will drive this allocation of funds is the group’s belief in ‘Gun Sense Candidates’. These individuals – irrespective of their party affiliations – are committed to implementing a common-sense approach towards gun safety. In pledging this substantial sum, Everytown seeks to enable these candidates to square up against opponents with substantial investment from the pro-gun lobby.
In a society where mass shootings appear increasingly frequent, the work of Everytown for Gun Safety has never seemed more urgent. Gun violence is a scourge that has touched nearly every corner of America, from schools and places of worship to shopping centers and even private residences. It is this context that has propelled organizations such as Everytown into the forefront of an ever-intensifying debate on gun regulation.
In a statement declaring their financial pledge, Everytown further clarified their unwavering stance against gun violence, emphasizing the critical role that the upcoming election will play in deciding the future course of American gun policy. Ultimately, the financial pledge by Everytown is an illustration of the heightened stakes in the battle for gun control, a symbol of the increasing influence of advocacy groups in American politics, and a direct challenge to the political muscle of the pro-gun lobbies.
With this formidable pledge, Everytown for Gun Safety has emphasized its continued dedication to further advocate for gun safety laws. Their assertion provides a clear indication that the fight for gun safety regulation will be a prominent factor shaping the political landscape of the United States in the upcoming 2020 elections.