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It’s open season for legislators with a 2014 re-election campaign in their sights. State Rep. Cindy Pugh thinks she’s hit a bull’s-eye with her “Get Your Carry Permit With Cindy!” fundraiser next weekend, which provides residents a change to train with firearms and contribute to her political coffer.

Pugh’s supporters will contribute to her campaign by paying $125 to take a one-day training class Saturday. The session in the Twin Cities suburb of Chanhassen covers the state-required training needed to apply for a permit to carry a handgun in Minnesota.

“My concern about a legislator using a concealed and carry permit class to raise money is it’s kind of cynical in a way,” said Joan Peterson, a board member of Protect Minnesota and the Brady Campaign. “It’s kind of already telling people alright, I support your gun rights no matter what. I mean, I don’t know how else you could look at it.”

One of Pugh’s constituents will be the instructor, certified trainer Andrew Rothman, a well-known leader in opposing gun restrictions. “She’s getting all the profits. I’m getting 5 bucks to cover my photocopying costs,” said Rothman. “I think the campaign is buying them lunch, too. It’s all gravy from there…I’m just showing up and volunteering, exactly the same as if I drove her car in a parade.” http://watchdog.org/100847/open-season-mn-legislator-targets-handgun-p
ermit-class-for-fundraiser/

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