CONTACT: Jason Phelps, [email protected]
Washington, DC – Giffords, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly, congratulated Rebecca Dallet for being chosen by Wisconsin voters to be a justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Dallet is a former prosecutor and current Milwaukee County Circle judge. Her opponent, Michael Screnock, ran with the backing of the National Rifle Association.
“The people of Wisconsin recognized that Judge Dallet has the courage and tenacity to ensure justice and safety for all Wisconsin communities. They elected her to serve because they know she is not beholden to special interests and won’t back down from holding the powerful accountable,” said former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of Giffords. “Our fight to address the gun violence crisis that has hurt states like Wisconsin will require public servants who are ready to uphold the laws that can stop its spread. We are proud to congratulate a courageous leader like Judge Dallet on her victory.”
Over the final four days of the campaign, the Dallet campaign ran a radio ad featuring Captain Mark Kelly. You can listen to the ad here.
Since 2014, the gun death rate has been rising, with gun deaths jumping 8% from 2014 to 2015 and another 7% from 2015 to 2016. That resulted in the deaths of 38,000 people in 2016—the deadliest year for gun deaths since 1993. As demonstrated by the March for our Lives rallies across the country that drew hundreds of thousands, Americans increasingly want to see steps taken to address our gun violence epidemic.
Last week, a group of 40 students marched 50 miles from Madison, Wisconsin to Speaker Paul Ryan’s hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin to draw attention to how politicians from the state have failed to take action to strengthen gun laws. They were joined in Janesville for a rally that attracted hundreds.
Recently, Giffords released a digital ad on Speaker Paul Ryan’s failed leadership on protecting Americans from the gun violence crisis. The ad, which reached voters in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District and around the country, highlighted Ryan’s ties to the gun lobby and his refusal to bring a single gun safety bill to the House floor for a vote, or even a debate.
As Speaker, Paul Ryan determines which bills are brought to the floor for a vote, making him uniquely responsible for Congress’ inaction on addressing gun violence. Five of the ten deadliest shootings in US history have occurred during Paul Ryan’s tenure as speaker. During that time, he’s repeatedly blocked consideration in the House of any policies that could help reduce gun violence.
