Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America Celebrates Markey Victory In Massachusetts U.S. Senate Race

BOSTON, June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America congratulates Ed Markey on his win tonight to become the next US Senator from Massachusetts, and a reliable vote for stronger gun laws in America. The former Representative and newly elected Senator is the first candidate to receive an endorsement from Moms Demand Action, a national nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots organization demanding action on stronger gun laws and policies to save lives.

This special election is the first high profile election in the nation since the mass shooting of 20 first grade students and six adults in their classrooms at Sandy Hook Elementary school in December 2012. Candidate Markey's platform of stronger gun laws, including an assault weapons ban and a ban on high-capacity magazines, is the reason Moms Demand Action endorsed him. We are encouraged by his win, and view it as a win for gun sense in America and a precursor of elections to come.

"Sitting elected officials should take note that tonight a candidate who campaigned on gun violence prevention and strengthening gun laws won handily. We believe this is the first of many such post-Newtown elections. This is the true 'Connecticut effect,'" said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. "We believe Senator-elect Markey's vocal and courageous support for stronger gun laws contributed significantly to his win over his opponent, and will demonstrate to others in Congress that Americans will vote for candidates who vote for gun reform."

"Moms Demand Action will work in all states, including the upcoming special election in New Jersey, to elect members of Congress who will fight for common-sense gun laws and help us turn back the tide of lax gun laws brought on by the gun lobby," said Watts.

"Senator-elect Markey has a proven track-record as a champion of gun-safety legislation in Congress," said Dawn Tringas, a chapter leader for the Greater Boston Area Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. "He has made gun reform legislation a priority, and he has demonstrated his dedication to keeping the families of Massachusetts, and all of America, safe from preventable gun violence. As Massachusetts moms, we commend Senator-elect Markey's commitment to the safety of our children and families and we are grateful that he has been elected to the U.S. Senate."

About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (www.momsdemandaction.org) was created to build support for common-sense gun reforms. The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. In just six months, the organization has more than 100,000 members with more than 90 local chapters in 40 states across the country.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Greater Boston Area Chapter
Dawn Tringas, Chapter Co-Leader
Phone: 617-678-5131
Email: MABostonArea@momsdemandaction.org

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Shannon Watts, Founder
Phone: 404-580-3500
Email: media@momsdemandaction.org

SOURCE Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America