San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO), a political action committee (PAC) promoting Second Amendment rights, has announced its endorsement of a \u201cyes\u201d vote for the upcoming California gubernatorial recall election.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not endorsing a candidate, but we are supporting a yes vote on removing the current governor,\u201d said Schwartz, executive director, SDCGO. \u201cWe are encouraging everyone to commit to show up to vote and make sure everyone you know does the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Schwartz, first-term Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is the most anti-Second Amendment governor the state has ever endured.<\/p>\n
\u201cNewsom is responsible for the success of Prop 63, which created a poorly run ammunition registration program,\u201d said Schwartz. \u201cNewsom also signed into law SB 61, which bans adults under 21 from purchasing firearms, along with AB 879, which requires going through a firearms dealer to buy gun components, and AB 1297, which increased fees on carry permits, and AB 893, which bans gun show gatherings at the San Diego-based fairgrounds.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Schwartz, \u201cNot only has Newsom supported horribly restrictive gun laws, but he has been outwardly hostile towards gun owners with his rhetoric.\u00a0We need someone who is inclusive when it comes to civil rights, not divisive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Newsom is facing recall after more than 2.1 million signatures were collected on recall petitions from registered California voters. The election is scheduled for Sept. 14, although ballots are expected to arrive in mailboxes to every registered voter starting the week of Aug. 16.<\/p>\n
Names of more than 40 candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, will appear on a ballot that will ask voters to answer only two questions: First, should Gov. Newsom be removed? And, second, who should replace him?<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second vote will count only if a majority votes \u2018yes\u2019 on the first question,\u201d said Schwartz.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make sure the election options and priorities are clear. Our recommended advice is to avoid focusing on your favorite replacement candidate. Arguing over your preferred replacement candidate won\u2019t get Newsom out of office. The absolute best way to support your candidate is to get more people to vote to recall Newsom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recall elections historically draw lower voter turnout, noted Schwartz.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of low voter turnout, every vote will matter, so get everybody you know to cast a ballot in favor of the recall,\u201d he said. \u201cI mean everybody, including your favorite shooting buddy, veterinarian, bartender, plumber, Uber driver, neighbor, friend, coworker, and family member. Getting people who hadn\u2019t planned to vote to cast a ballot can actually change the calculus of the race.\u201d<\/p>\n
Founded in 2015, San Diego County Gun Owners is a registered political action committee (FPPC ID #1379388) and advocacy organization focused on organizing the gun industry and community and protecting the U.S. Constitution\u2019s Second Amendment right to bear arms.<\/p>\n
Based on its membership size of more than 2,800 individuals, SDCGO is considered San Diego\u2019s largest registered PAC as well as civil rights organization. SDCGO features a diverse and inclusive membership with representatives from the LGBTQ, Latino, African American, Asian and Pacific Islander communities.<\/p>\n