September 2nd, 2014

Mr. Chris W. Cox

National Rifle Association
11250 Waples Mill Rd.
Fairfax, VA 22030

Dear Mr. Cox,
We are writing in our capacity as Washington State legislators to seek repudiation of the recent
comments of your senior lobbyist, Mr. Brian Judy, that were widely reported in local, state and national
media. In your role as the national lobbyist for the National Rifle Association and campaign manager for
the No on I-594 campaign in Washington State, you likely already know that these comments
questioned the attitudes of members of the Jewish community on issues of gun safety and
responsibility.
Specifically, Mr. Judy made remarks that described Initiative 594 as the same policy that led to [Nick
Hanauers] family getting run out of Germany by the Nazis.
1
Mr. Judy went on to say, You know, it's
staggering to meIt's, like, any Jewish people I meet who are anti-gun, I think, Are you serious? Do you
not remember what happened? And why did that happen? Because they registered guns, and then they
took them. And now ... you come to this country and you support gun control?
2

Because the comments were made in a publicly advertised meeting and offered in Mr. Judy's capacity as
a senior lobbyist with the National Rifle Association, we ask that the organization dissociate itself from
these views.
As a longtime lobbyist who has worked extensively in Olympia and other state capitols, Mr. Judy should
appreciate the need for decorum and civil discourse, particularly when contentious issues are under
discussion.
We are dismayed that both Mr. Judy and the National Rifle Association have chosen to remain silent for
four weeks on this subject. These views, left unaddressed, have the potential to jeopardize the
effectiveness of your representatives in working with many legislators and staff in Olympia.
The Washington State legislature is a diverse body representing people from all walks of life. We value
and embrace our diversity of faith, political views, and personal opinions. Even where we disagree, we
strive to maintain respect and openness in our debate. This spirit of tolerance is expected not just for
legislators, but for the thousands of citizens, and professional lobbyists, who come before us every year
to testify in committees and advocates for issues they hold dear. Your swift attention to this matter is
critical to maintaining credibility and trust.
Sincerely,


1
Associated Press via the Bellingham Herald, 7/29/14
2
Associated Press via the Bellingham Herald, 7/29/14

State Senator Jamie Pedersen, Washington State Senate Law & Justice Committee, Member

State Representative Laurie Jinkins, Washington State House Committee on Judiciary, Chair

State Representative Reuven Carlyle, Chair, Washington State House Committee on Finance

State Representative Brady Walkinshaw, Washington State House Committee on Judiciary, Member