Lawmakers denounce gun group's 'crucifix' email

By Erik Schelzig

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, April 24 2012 3:30 p.m. MDT

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National Rifle Association lobbyist Darren LaSorte, right, speaks with Democratic Rep. Eddie Bass of Prospect outside the House chamber in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday, April 23, 2012. Bass is the main House sponsor of an NRA-back bill to guarantee workers' rights to store firearms in cars parked on company lots, regardless of their employers' wishes.

Erik Schelzig, Associated Press

Summary

Lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle are denouncing a state firearms group for a mass email they called threatening to House Republican Caucus Chairwoman Debra Maggart.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle are denouncing a state firearms group for a mass email they called threatening to House Republican Caucus Chairwoman Debra Maggart.

The membership email from John Harris, the executive director of the Tennessee Firearms Association, principally blames Maggart for the struggles of a bill seeking to guarantee employees' right to store loaded firearms in vehicles parked at work.

Harris in the email says "Maggart's political career needs to end much as the Romans crucified criminals." It also calls for a "used crucifix" to be hung at the entrance to the Capitol as a warning.

Maggart, of Hendersonville, said it's unclear why she has become the target of Harris' wrath, especially considering the two are former schoolmates.

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