February 7, 2000

MISSOULA, MT - The Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) announced today that it has endorsed Ambassador Alan Keyes for the Republican nomination for President. MSSA is the primary political action organization for gun owners in Montana.

MSSA president Gary Marbut commented, "We’re endorsing Keyes because we think he’d make a great President. He understands and supports the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Second Amendment. And, he isn’t afraid to come right out and declare his support for constitutional and civil rights."

"Despite the fact that he is characterized by some opponents as a hopeless candidate," Marbut said, "we believe he is fast gaining traction in this race, in part because he is the only candidate who seems to be a strong supporter of individual liberty and who sees the connection among all rights and freedoms."

"We believe that Keyes is coming to be taken more seriously now by Republican voters in general, and particularly by people concerned about recent usurpation of rights and power by the federal government. This is especially true of people concerned about loss of Second Amendment rights", Marbut stated.

MSSA estimates that up to 90% of the households in Montana contain firearms. Issues concerning firearms ownership and use have historically been pivotal issues among Montana voters.

Information: Gary Marbut, MSSA, 406-549-1252