Nevada Senator Dean Heller Welcomed to SHOT Show
OutdoorHub 01.17.12
The National Shooting Sports Foundation hosted Nevada Senator Dean Heller (R) at last night’s industry political action committee (PAC) reception, and today NSSF representatives accompanied him as he toured the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) and briefed him on key industry issues.
Heller was appointed to the Senate last year by Governor Brian Sandoval (R) and will seek election to a full term this November. He previously served three terms in the United States House of Representatives.
“We are excited to host Senator Heller,” stated Lawrence G. Keane, senior vice president and general counsel for NSSF. “He is a rock-solid supporter of our industry and our Second Amendment rights. His participation is an excellent opportunity to again bring our elected officials front and center with industry executives and discuss how best to grow the industry and participation in the shooting sports.
“The industry PAC reception is a key element in building pro-gun, pro-industry majorities at the federal levels. The dollars raised through our PAC go directly to support candidates running against anti-gun senators or congressmen and to help elect officials fighting for industry,” added Keane.
Heller’s attendance at the SHOT Show underscores the continued importance of the firearms and ammunition industry to the U.S. economy. Despite the continued recession and high unemployment, demand for industry products has reached unprecedented levels. Strong growth of firearm and ammunition sales has fueled job growth and tax payments that support communities and also conservation programs through the Pittman-Robertson Fund.
Nationally, the firearms and ammunition industry accounts for more than 180,000 jobs and $28 billion in economic activity. The SHOT Show is one of the largest trade shows in North America, attracting approximately 58,000 industry professionals and providing $60 million in economic activity for Las Vegas.
Heller currently serves on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee; the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; and the Special Committee on Aging.
Political leaders are no strangers to SHOT show. Former Massachusetts Governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney (R) attended a previous show.
