Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), who led the Senate Democrats' talking filibuster on gun violence last month has a new and potentially more effective campaign: raising money for candidates supporting gun safety.
The new effort, called the “Fund to End Gun Violence,” will be directed through the Connecticut Democrat’s campaign operation. In addition to Murphy, other Senate Democrats joining in the new gun control push include Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, the social-media guru who accompanied Murphy for his nearly 15-hour gun filibuster last month, and Sen. Chuck Schumer, the powerful New York Democrat and prodigious fundraiser who is poised to become the top Senate Democrat next year.
From the House Democratic ranks, Reps. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Robin Kelly of Illinois are lending their names to the effort — and both, as well as Murphy, are already scoping out pro-gun control candidates they want to help with campaign cash through the new group.
“It’s clear we’ve got to turn all this new activism around the issue of guns into a 2016 political movement,” Murphy said in an interview with POLITICO. “There’s more energy around this issue than ever before, and I want my colleagues to be focused on channeling it to candidates who are going to make a difference and tip the balance in January.”
In a post-Citizens United world, the best way to fight the NRA's money is with more money. Efforts within Congress have been futile so far, with Republicans in control. House Speaker Paul Ryan is so frightened of the maniacs there that he won't even have votes on NRA-approved bills, while the Senate is deadlocked over even the most modest measures.
The only solution is a new Congress. In the meantime, Murphy and colleagues will undoubtedly keep fighting in this one, but looking to the future is key.
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