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Article published Jul 18, 2008
NRA endorses Finney
From Staff Reports
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has endorsed state Sen. Raymond Finney, R-Maryville, for re-election.

In a press release, NRA state liaison Heidi Keesling said that part of the Finney endorsement was based on his "strong and vocal support of our right to keep and bear arms."

"I am grateful that the NRA recognizes that I am a strong defender of the Second Amendment," Finney said. "The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed, in its recent District of Columbia versus Heller decision, that the Second Amendment provides the right to bear arms to Americans individually, not only collectively in a 'militia' setting. We must now guard this right at the level of all state governments."

Finney, a Republican, was first elected in 2004 to the 8th Senatorial District, which represents Blount and Sevier counties. He is opposed in the Aug. 7 Republican primary by state Rep. Doug Overbey, R-Maryville, and Jim Bishop of Sevier County. There are no Democrats on the ballot.

"It is well-established that possession of firearms by gun carry permit holders decreases crimes, including violent crimes," Finney said. "Crime reduction is one reason that I strongly support Second Amendment rights for Tennesseans, under our present permit system administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety."

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