Dear Commons Community,

Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s re-election campaign has continued to promote a shotgun giveaway contest days after the Santa Fe Texas high school shooting during which ten people were killed. As reported by Politics:

“The re-election campaign of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is continuing to promote a shotgun giveaway days after a shooter, armed with a shotgun and a pistol, opened fire at a Texas high school.

Abbott, a staunch pro-gun advocate, said Friday that lawmakers needed to “do more than just pray for victims and their families” following the Santa Fe High School massacre, in which authorities say a 17-year-old student killed 10 people and wounded 13.

“It’s time in Texas that we take action to step up and make sure this tragedy is never repeated ever again,” Abbott said at a press conference, where he noted that the suspected shooter used a shotgun and .38-caliber revolver he had obtained from his father.

Still, the “action” suggested by Abbott on Friday did not appear to include pulling a contest offered by his re-election campaign in which participants can enter to win a shotgun.

“Win a Texas-made shotgun!” boasts Abbott’s official campaign website. To enter the contest, which began May 1, those interested are instructed to submit their contact information online.

Abbott’s campaign also printed promotional material featuring the shotgun giveaway to hang on doorknobs. It’s unclear when and where the printed ads for the contest where circulated.

Representatives for Abbott did not immediately respond to requests for comment.”

It is comforting to see that in times of great sorrow our elected officials show deep sensitivity to the families and friends of victims.

Tony