Politics

GOP congresswoman: Obama exploiting tragedy for political gain

Patrick Howley Political Reporter
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North Carolina Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers said in a statement Wednesday that President Barack Obama is “exploiting a tragedy for political gain” and “attacking our legal rights” by issuing a sweeping new slate of gun control regulations, including 23 executive actions.

At a press conference Wednesday, standing in front of a handful of children, Obama called for a federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as expanded background checks for all gun purchasers.

“President Obama is once again exploiting a tragedy for political gain and eroding our constitutional rights for the sake of an extreme liberal agenda,” Ellmers said in the statement. (RELATED: Second GOP congressman suggests impeachment for Obama)

“We need to have a serious discussion on how we can prevent troubled individuals from carrying out their insane intentions. But attacking our legal rights and liberties through abusive executive orders destroys the very principles that have protected our citizens from oppressive government power for over 236 years.”

Ellmers, a nurse, won a surprise 2010 congressional race after her candidacy was promoted by coverage on the conservative blog RedState. Despite initially struggling to gain funding, Ellmers was re-elected in 2012 in North Carolina’s Second District.

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