(26 February 2004)

1. SEMI-AUTO FIREARM BAN: All players have met the ante and soon we'll see all cards on the table. The key committee vote on SB 288 was expected today but floor debate on the slots bill pushed the day's agenda further and further back as we waited in anticipation. Eventually leadership scheduled the full Senate to go back in at 5PM, at which point committee chairs bumped their voting sessions to tomorrow. Friday should prove to be a big day in Annapolis.

2. "GUN DAY" IN THE HOUSE IS NOW ON RADAR SCREEN. House Judiciary Committee hearings on the bulk of the gun bills (good and bad alike) on 16 March. Plan on much the same drills for sounding off to key legislators immediately up- stream -- we'll let you know when and where in order to maximize effect. And what is in store for us there? A TOY GUN ban ... a proposal to let Prince George's county locally regulate ammunition and gun parts out of existence... and more. Consider this alert to be "war warning."

3. ELECTION DAY POLL WORKERS NEEDED! The re-election team of Congressman Roscoe Bartlett is where you want to be next Tuesday! Gun owners in or near western Maryland will pitch in to reelect Congressman Roscoe Bartlett ! We need help with poll workers on election day (especially to handle the busy surge of voters coming in the morning) plus helpers on election-eve (to put out signs). Call Sallie Taylor at 240 446 0077 for information and to learn how YOU can do your part to help Roscoe help us!

Congressman Bartlett appreciates your help and looks forward to seeing you on Tuesday night for the Election Night Celebration! The party will begin at 8:30 in the headquarters on North Main Street, Mt. Airy (Downtown Mt. Airy) From Rt. 70, take Rt. 27 North to the first light and make a Left hand turn (at that point you will pass McDonalds on your Right). This is Main Street. Just stay on this road and we are on the left in the town proper.

4. MPFO'S LATEST FUND RAISER IS DEDICATED TO POLITICAL PAY BACK: Marylanders for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (MPFO) has launched a fund raiser with all proceeds dedicated to the ouster of any legislator who promoted the assault weapon bans in Annapolis. We have a lot of payback to deliver, so we have a lot of raffle tickets to sell! Win a tactical carbine (what the gun- banners would call an "assault weapon" ... with attitude, we might add!) for a $5 donation. Details at www.myguns.net (Look for us at the next Camrod Gun Show in Pikesville on March 13-14.)