I recently received a note from the GLGR (Great Lakes Gun Rights) organization, of which I am not a member nor do I know anyone who is, but I received this. I suspect they received my name because I am a member of the NRA and have been for years as a strong Second Amendment supporter and concealed carry permit holder.
Reading the note, it is claimed Executive Director Brenden Boudreau sent a GLGR survey to all candidates running for office all across Michigan to get them on the record in support of our gun rights. Since I am in District No. 72, where there are two people running for state representative in the primary as Republicans, he sent surveys to those two, Rep. Steven Johnson and challenger Ms. Jennifer Antel.
In reporting the results, it is evident there are vast differences in their reported responses. Johnson is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and answered in the positive in all questions posed. Ms. Antel, on the contrary, was considered in the question responses to be overwhelmingly anti-gun; according to the GLGR.
Some of the responses, per the note, from Ms. Antel:
“Jennifer Antel openly admits her support of Michigan’s ‘permit to purchase’ handgun registration scheme and she opposes the repeal of the deadly ‘gun free’ criminal safe-zones.
“To top it off, Jennifer Antel also supports restrictions on the sale, purchase, or possession of firearms and accessories.
“So it’s no surprise that Jennifer Antel also opposes pro-gun constitutional carry legislation. This is disturbing behavior for a Republican candidate.
“In the wake of recent tragedies like the one in Parkland, Fla., anti-gun politicians are chomping on the bit to punish law-abiding citizens for the actions of pure evil. And Jennifer Antel seemingly wants to join the deafening chorus for more dangerous gun control in Michigan.
“When politicians refuse to take a stand in support of the Second Amendment, you can be almost certain that the rest of your constitutional rights are not on their list of priorities, either.
“That’s why Great Lakes Gun Rights is dedicated to keeping constituents informed about the true positions of our elected officials and candidates.”
I’m presuming this information is on their website: www.GreatLakesGunRights.org. At the end of the note, both Ms. Antel and Rep. Johnson’s contact numbers are given to contact them directly to voice concern or to support their positions.
I urge you to do the same, no matter what side of the debate you are on with Second Amendment rights. If you support either Rep. Johnson or Ms. Antel, please let them know of your concerns or support on their positions. They are or are willing to represent you in the Michigan House of Representatives, it is your duty and right to question them on anything before you vote on Aug. 7 in the primary to select who you want to represent you.
I am on the record and will willingly disclose I support Rep. Johnson to continue to represent our district in Lansing. Ms. Antel, thank you for being willing to run and possibly serve if you are selected to represent the Republicans in District 72.
Please refer to the GLGR website for information.
And vote in the primary Aug. 7!
The website (greatlakegunrights.org) doesn’t list Antel’s responses, or any of the info listed in the article, as the author assumed. I’d be weary of accepting these statements as they appear here…there’s no way to cross-reference them. You’re better off contacting the candidate yourself than relying on gossip.
Ranger Rick
Usually we are not far apart, but this time I believe you may have jumped the gun so to speak.
I may stand corrected, but from your article I doubt if you spoke directly to Mrs Antel on these issues.
As a firearm owner and supporter of gun ownership. Here is where I disagree with you. I find no problem with the permit to purchase a hand gun. I also know as well as yourself understand not every person in Michigan should be in possession of a firearm. If what I just said is something we both agree on ….than without a permit or registration system do we keep those who should not posses a firearm from getting one??
I do know there is a large percentage of people in this Country who are frightened just seeing a firearm. So other than open carry for the purpose of hunting…I see no need to parade around showing everyone I am carrying.
I own firearms, do shooting sports, hunt, etc. But I refuse to be overly zealous in open carry …hoping to show everyone what a badass I am .
I will tell you Mr Johnson says what he wants to gather votes. When I spoke with him about his support to stop the DNR from getting the kayak fee they are proposing. He flat out doesn’t care about our natural resources in regards to the hunting and fishing opportunities that need the monies this fee would generate.
Believe what you want …but I would rather have someone representing me who wants senseable laws regarding firearms, more “green spaces” ( ie: public accessible lands, trails, paths, etc ).
As a one time supporter of Mr. Johnson..it only took two years of talking to him and his office . For me to realize we need a change.
Mrs Antel may not win….but at least I have an idea where she stands on issues that concern me.
I personally do not trust anything her opponent claims he’ll do or stands for.
This is such a dummy front for Steve Johnson’s campaign, it’s a pity that Rick doesn’t see it. But I guess Rick will believe any template concocted website and “group” with a GR UPS Store address. The representative for the 72nd District has the potential to be a real leader and bring real opportunity to the district. Instead we have Mr. Johnson who is more concerned that women have the option to wear blaze pink when they go hunting so that they can “feel pretty” bagging their buck. Antel has proven herself to be a real leader. This is what the district needs.
Ranger Rick peddling the FAKE NEWS he claims to hate!
At least Mr. Smit is willing to think for himself.
Ranger Rick,
Talk about stirring things up! good column.