ARS PAC Statement on Mark Herring Victory

Americans for Responsible Solutions PAC – founded by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and retired combat veteran and astronaut Capt. Mark Kelly – released a statement today after Virginia Republican attorney general candidate Mark Obenshain conceded in the race against Democratic State Sen. Mark Herring, who favored responsible gun ownership policies.

Attorney General-elect Herring offered a drumbeat of support for gun violence prevention policies like universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, and keeping guns out of schools. When his opponent opted to join a gun auction hosted by the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) selling the same gun model used in the Virginia Tech massacre, Herring told reporters: “He stands with the gun auction in Blacksburg today, and I stand for saying enough is enough: we’ve got to keep guns out of the hands of the criminals and the dangerously mentally ill.” [ http://bit.ly/16hEXuk ]

ARS PAC demonstrated through a deliberate and targeted program that highlighting gun violence prevention as an issue by candidates can be effective and key to winning among independent voters.

ARS PAC’s $600,000 Virginia Electoral Program Highlights:

• Targeted mail program to 144,479 registered voters and 66,370 households in the race for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general;

• Launched the website KenOnGuns.com to give Virginia voters the facts;

• Telephone Town Hall with Capt. Mark Kelly and 7,000 likely voters;

• Recorded call from Capt. Mark Kelly to 66,370 households inviting them to learn more about the gubernatorial candidates;

• Targeted online advertising to 189,000 registered voters urging them to “Get Out The Vote” on Election Day;

• Targeted online persuasion media to 144,479 registered voters and 66,370 households