Dem candidate for Florida governor: NRA ‘turns our kids into target practice’

Florida gubernatorial candidate Jeff Greene (D) accused the National Rifle Association (NRA) of turning “our kids into target practice” in a new campaign mailer, according to Tampa Bay Times.

“As a father, I won’t stand by while the NRA turns our kids into targets,” the mailer, which was obtained by the newspaper, highlights Greene as saying in quotes. 

“Trump and Tallahassee republicans are owned by the NRA. I would never take their blood money,” the mailer reads.

Tampa Bay Times reported that four of Greene’s opponents in the Democratic primary on Aug. 28 — Andrew Gillum, Gwen Graham, Philip Levine and Chris King — have shared similar visions for Florida gun policy, though the paper says none have used imagery as dramatic as Greene’s mailer.

The mailer shows a school hallway lined with lockers, and posters with darkened silhouettes of students depicted as bullseye targets with the words “AR Practice.” 

The mailer also promotes actions Greene would take to combat gun violence.

“Gun violence has ravaged our state and families,” read the mailer.

“Jeff will take on the NRA to make sure schools are safe for our kids and families are safe in our communities,” it went on to say.

The mailer, which is imprinted with a Jeff Greene for Florida sign, also notes “thoughts and prayers aren’t enough.” 

“It’s time to take action before any more of our kids are gunned down. Jeff Greene will ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, fix the broken and loophole-ridden background check system, and block Trump’s crazy plan to arm teachers.” 

Greene has spent $9.6 million of his own money to fund his campaign after entering the race late,  Orlando Weekly reported, citing a report posted on Florida’s Division of Elections website.