Skeptic Project

A political mailer sent to voters in support of Wisconsin Senate candidate Ron Johnson (R) plays on unfounded conservative fears that Democrats will outlaw hunting ammunition.

"It will be hard to hunt when ammo is banned," the mailer reads.

An image of the flier was sent along by a reader, who found it disingenuous. And indeed, groups that support gun bans don't exactly count the Obama administration as an ally.

"Anti-hunting extremists groups are trying to force the federal government to ban traditional hunting ammunition," it reads. "And they just may succeed.... Choose Ron Johnson on November 2. Ron Johnson will lead the fight against the anti-hunting extremists to protect your right to hunt."

The mailer was paid for by Safari Club International's PAC, based in Tucson, AZ.

What on earth is this about? Perhaps this: a petition filed by environmental groups with the EPA seeking to ban lead in hunting ammunition, based on the risk it poses to wildlife that may feed on unrecovered game.

In late August, the EPA denied that petition.

You can see the mailer here. Johnson is running against Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI). The TPM Polltracker Average gives Johnson a 51.7-44.4 lead.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/10/mailer-supporting-johnson-warns-government-will-ban-hunting-ammunition.php?ref=fpb