Candidate Profiles:
McCain / Palin (R) | Obama / Biden (D)

2008 Candidate Profile: Obama

Barack Hussein Obama

DOB: August 4, 1961

Occupations:

• Community organizer, Chicago, Illinois (1991-1996)
• Former Illinois State Senator (1996-2004)
• Junior United States Senator from Illinois (2004-present)

According to the U.S. Senate Historical Office, Obama is the fifth African American Senator in U.S. history and the only African American currently serving in the U.S. Senate.

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Spouse: Michelle Obama

Education:

BA in international relations, 1983, Columbia University
JD from Harvard Law School/Editor of the Harvard Law Review

Other:

Committee on Foreign Relations
Subcommittee on African Affairs
Subcommittee on International Economic Policy
Subcommittee on Asians and Pacific Affairs
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

"I believe in keeping guns out of our inner cities, and that our leaders must say so in the face of the gun manufacturer's lobby. But I also believe that when a gangbanger shoots indiscriminately into a crowd because he feels someone disrespected him, we have a problem of morality. Not only do we need to punish that man for his crime, but we need to acknowledge that there's a hole in his heart, one that government programs alone may not be able to repair."

Firearms Industry's letter to Sen. Obama

More Views and Comments on Firearms

"I believe we need to renew not roll back - this common sense gun law." (Assault Weapons Ban)

"The passage of legal protection for the gun industry would mark an enormous setback for gun control advocates and for leaders of cities such as Chicago, who have filed suit against gun dealers and manufacturers."

"I am not in favor of concealed weapons. I think that creates a potential atmosphere where more innocent people could (get shot during) altercations."

Obama in the News

Obama: Most Liberal Senator In 2007

Keyes, Obama are far apart on guns

Voting Record

• Voted NO on The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - S. 397
  Senator Obama voted against protecting the firearms industry from frivolous lawsuits seeking to hold manufacturers, retailers and distributors responsible for the criminal actions of others.

• Voted YES on Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms - S.AMDT.4615
  The amendment prohibits the confiscation of a firearm during an emergency or major disaster if the possession of such firearm is not prohibited under Federal of State law.

• Voted YES on Ammunition Ban - SA1615
  Senator Obama voted to expand the definition of armor piercing ammunition, a vote that could have helped ban all rifle cartridges as virtually all rifle ammunition has the capability of piercing "bullet proof" vests.

• Voted YES on Exemption for Children to the PLCAA S.AMDT.1620
  The purpose of this amendment was to exempt lawsuits involving injuries to children from the definition of qualified civil liability action. By voting for this amendment, Senator Obama attempted to hurt the firearms industry by giving minors the right to sue law-abiding firearms manufacturers, retailers and distributors for the criminal actions of others.

A Message from NSSF President, Steve Sanetti

2008 Election
Action Items for Sportsmen:

Get Registered
Exercise your constitutional rights. Register to vote.

Be Informed
Learn where candidates stand on hunting, shooting and your firearm freedoms.

Cast Absentee Ballots
Going to be out of town on a hunting trip or on business Nov. 4? Learn how to apply for an absentee ballot in your state.

Mobilize
Share your knowledge of the candidates and their views on hunting issues and firearm freedoms with fellow sportsmen and sportswomen.

Make the Choice
On Election Day, choose the candidate you feel confident will protect your hunting and shooting heritage and firearm freedoms.