State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) was elected this week to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO). Sheltrown is the first Democratic legislator to be elected to the organization's board in its history.
MCRGO is the largest gun-rights group in Michigan and the largest state-based gun rights organization in the United States. The organization works closely with the National Rifle Association in promoting legislation to protect the Second Amendment and in electing pro-gun rights candidates to public office.
Strongly influential among conservatives, MCRGO is now seeing increased support outside its traditional membership base. This week's election of Sheltrown to the organization's board of directors is seen as a move by the group to reach out to candidates in both political parties who support gun rights.
"Some people believe that all Democrats want to take away their guns," Sheltrown said. "As a hunter, gun-owner, and a Democrat, I am strong example of the many pro-gun Democrats who vote in northern Michigan and across the state. We are committed to protecting our freedoms as Americans, including those guaranteed by the Second Amendment."
Sheltrown will serve on MCRGO's Board of Directors for a two-year term. The district he represents includes northern Lower Michigan.