Politics & Government

Is Assault Rifle Raffle Appropriate for GOP?

The state Republican Party plans to raffle off an M-16 style weapon Sunday. Is this an an appropriate fundraiser for a political party? Tell us in comments.


A father baits a hook with a worm before his little girl casts off into the pond. 

A mom tosses a pitch to her son in the annual family softball game. 

A dad loads a full metal jacket into a weapon of war so junior can take the head off a target on the range.

Which one of these doesn't belong at a family picnic? According to the Rhode Island state Republican Party, they all do.

The state GOP is planning a "Family Day" at the South County Rod & Gun Club in West Greenwich Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Providence Journal reported. The fundraiser — billed as a "2nd amendment celebration" — features "a day at the range full of targets, food, prizes and fun," the state GOP announced.

Like many family outings, this one features a raffle to raise money for the organizers. But you won't find the sports jerseys or fruit and wine baskets you might expect to be prizes at most family picnics. 

The top prize Sunday? A Smith & Wesson M & P 15 assault rifle.

Other prizes include a Beretta .357 single-action “Stampede,” 200 rounds of ammo, a $500 gift certificate to D & L Shooting Supplies, and a GOP polo shirt.

The state GOP has heard criticism from outside and inside the party, including from Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, who is considering a run for governor next year and is widely thought of as a leader in the state Republican party. "This is not something that I would ever do to raise campaign funds," Fung said.

What do you think? Should the state GOP be raising money by raffling off an assault rifle? Let us know in the comments section below.


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