JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Every Florida sheriff recently got this survey from National Rifle Association lobbyist and former NRA President Marion Hammer, requesting their opinions on the most controversial gun laws facing the state.
For example, one of the 14 questions reads: "Do you agree that no victim of crime should be required to surrender his life, health…or property to a criminal, nor should a victim be required to retreat in the face of an attack from any place he or she has a right to be?
a.__yes, i believe… "stand your ground" is appropriate and victims have right to fight back without a duty to retreat.
b.___no, i oppose …"stand your ground" and believe victims should surrender to criminals or retreat to avoid fighting back."
Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford is among numerous members of the Florida Sheriffs Association whose director called the survey a "political tool" to unfairly label some sheriffs as "anti-gun."
The survey's author told Action News,"…sheriffs are politicians…voters have a right to know where they stand on issues…"
But some Florida sheriffs are refusing to answer the questions. St. Johns County Sheriff says it's because he's running unopposed.
Sheriff Rutherford says he'll reply, but won't be pigeon holed by the yes or no answer boxes. "That's why I'm going to write my answers in and not fill in the boxes they choose to put me in."
