are you really arguing that a survivor of domestic abuse… doesn’t care about survivors of domestic abuse? https://t.co/8zj9pve4Lv
— Jack Pandol (@jackpandol) November 21, 2019
A Chuck Schumer-linked Super PAC is using scorched-earth tactics to try to shame Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) after negotiations to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act broke down.
Ernst said she was raped in college and suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband. The U.S. Senator from Iowa’s concern centered on the so-called “boyfriend loophole,” which allows unmarried partners to purchase firearms after being a victim of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Ernst, a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, argues that retroactively preventing law-abiding citizens from owning guns violates due-process rights, to which Schumer accused her of being afraid of the NRA.
Per the National Review:
Last week, [California Democrat Dianne] Feinstein dropped work with Ernst and proposed the version of the bill passed in the House, which Ernst pointed out would fail in the Senate. In response, Ernst proposed her own reauthorization of VAWA on Wednesday.
“Reauthorizing VAWA shouldn’t be a partisan issue—we should be putting the wellbeing of women and children of sexual and domestic violence first. That’s what this bill does; it’s a practical solution that focuses on survivors, not politics,” Ernst said in a press release. “Our bill will dramatically increase resources for survivors, punish abusers, and provide greater support for our rural communities in Iowa and across the country. I’m optimistic that my colleagues—Republican and Democrat—will join me in getting this vitally important bill signed into law.”
The Senate Majority PAC replied in a tweet that “Iowans and victims of domestic violence deserve better than Senator Ernst.” [emphasis added]
@joniernst is sending a message that she’s not serving the needs of domestic violence victims and those in the most vulnerable communities. Iowans and victims of domestic violence deserve better than Senator Ernst #IASen
— Senate Majority PAC (@MajorityPAC) November 21, 2019
Once again, for Democrats, the ends justify the means, even if that includes smearing rape survivors for perceived political gain.