Sportsmen, a Powerful Force in Electoral Politics

Cross Posted at Target Global Warming.

The National Journal, in an article posted to their website on Wednesday (subscription required), explains the intricacies of one of the most powerful voting bloc in american politics, "The Hook-And-Bullet Vote."

By all estimates, this is a rich and deep well of voters. Between 38 million and 53 million Americans hunt and fish, depending on who is counting, and this constituency tends to be politically astute. Years of perceived infringement on both gun-ownership rights and habitat have trained sportsmen to be particularly aware of politics.

Most sportsmen argue that they are a potent force in both parties.

"When you look at a Republican primary election, this is a very important" group, said David Rexrode, coalitions director for John McCain 2008, noting that sportsmen are typically rural, conservative voters. For this same reason, many Democrats from rural states feel it's important to reach out to sportsmen to debunk an urban, liberal stereotype.

Despite the continued importance of Second Amendment protection, other issues are starting to steal the spotlight. Later in the article, David "Mudcat" Saunders, a rural strategist for Democrats, argues that the "No. 1 issue facing sportsmen is the loss of habitat."