Gov. Inslee ‘Snubs’ Marksmanship Champions Because of NRA ‘Affiliation’

Gov. Inslee is being taken apart by KIRO-TV online over what they are calling a "petty" stunt.

According to KIRO, most states in the U.S. have what are called Civilian Marksman Programs. It began in 1903 under the arm of the Department of Defense...kind of a "national guard marksman" type of program. It continues to this day, although not overseen by the Department of Defense.

In Washington state, two groups participate in these shooting competitions, the Washington State Rifle and Pistol Association and the Washington State Police Pistol Association. They have an annual banquet where winners of various shooting and marksmanship competitions are honored. These folks area given certificates of recognition, signed by the governor.  It happens in nearly every state in the U.S.

But this year, the winners won't be getting them from Gov. Inslee. Because the groups register as non-profits with the National Rifle Association, Inslee is snubbing the winners.  They register with the NRA only so they can be certified to compete in national competitions and other events, and be ranked against other shooters across America. The NRA tracks this stuff, but there's no direct group support or affiliation with the NRA.

One of the championship shooters in WA this year is a 16-year-old female high school student. Gov. Inslee issued this letter as to why he's not signing the certificates any more:

 “The certificates that were signed last May will be the final certificates signed by the governor … Governor Inslee is no longer able to support any program affiliated with the National Rifle Association (NRA), due to the organization’s obstructive efforts to undermine common sense gun safety measures, including those that enjoy broad public support.  We understand competitors will be disappointed by this decision; however, the Governor [sic] believes constructive conversations and meaningful action around gun safety are necessary to better protect our families and communities.”

Wow.  Even KIRO calls his move a 'petty' gesture, and says he's stooped to a new low. But the op-ed piece by KIRO says they think Inslee wants to run for President in 2020, and he needs something to show off to his supporters that he 'stood up' to the big bad gun lobby.