The fight against New York's new gun control law is shifting into the political arena as gun rights supporters say they will run candidates against state legislators who voted for the law.
Speaking at a packed meeting Monday night in the Shannon Pub, gun advocate and local tea party activist Rus Thompson said the 6 million gun owners in the state are a threat to re-election of Governor Andrew Cuomo next year.
Meeting leaders say repeal of the law isn't likely any time soon, with the Legislature slated to go home next week. That's why Thompson said the key is political action in primary challenges.
"Like with the Erie County Legislature we need to run people against those who voted against a repeal of the Safe Act," said Thompson.
Long-term, the gun supporters say the courts might throw out parts or all of the SAFE Act, but that's down the road in an expensive process.
Thompson said he will be in Albany for a protest next Tuesday and he suggested a sit down protest on the floors of the two houses of the Legislature forcing them to be physically removed.
Opponents of the SAFE Act have been increasingly active and organized against the law.
With the close of the State Legislature set for next week, gun advocate Stephen Aldstadt, president of SCOPE said the bill isn't likely to be repealed.
"Legislatively? Not likely. We will be in Albany on Tuesday the 11th to demand the repeal of the SAFE Act. Realistically, we don't see that happening this session. We will be moving forward with a lawsuit from SCOPE, from the Rifle and Pistol Association, from We The People, various organizations," said Aldstadt.
Aldstadt is a long-time politically-involved gun rights group. He said opposition to Cuomo's gun law is increasing as more provisions kick in with controls on purchasing ammunition starting in January.
The SCOPE president said he knows of various arrangements to get around the ammunition controls including a Rochester gun store buying a store just over the state line into Pennsylvania to sell ammunition only.
Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard continues his controversial opposition to the law. Howard also appeared at Monday night's meeting. Howard said he won't enforce the new gun law and that it's a poor use of limited resources.
Some gun supporters worry that Howard and other sheriffs, who oppose the law, could be removed by the governor.
