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Todd Rathner

Board Member

Todd Rathner

Board Member

Biography

Todd J. Rathner is a lobbyist for the NRA (in the Arizona state legislature) and the NFA Freedom Alliance, which advocates for the “rights” of Americans to own particularly dangerous weapons, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers/suppressors. Rathner also owns an African safari hunting company. Packages offered by the T. Jeffrey Safari Company allow hunters to kill lions, baboons, zebras, and monkeys. In addition to being a pro-gun lobbyist, Rathner also lobbies on knife rights. On his Twitter page, Rather describes himself as follows: “Jewish Redneck, Love guns, hunting and hunting for guns. Uber Conservative.” On his Facebook page, he brags that he is “Making the world safe for guns and knives, one law at a time.” Rathner’s lobbying activity has focused primarily on expanding the ability of individuals to carry guns in public. “Any law that allows law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm in more places makes the community safer,” he says. Rathner has helped push for laws in Arizona that allow residents to: a) Carry loaded handguns in public (openly or concealed) without a permit or screening of any kind; b) Bring guns to work and keep them in their vehicles in company parking lots, and c) Enter establishments that serve alcohol with loaded firearms (permit holders only). He sits on the NRA Board of Directors.


All Statements (52 total)

Statements by Category (52 total)

  • Conspiracy Theory

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    Sources [1]

  • Foreign Policy

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Immigration

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Religion

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Lobbying Activity
    On May 10, 2016, Rathner spoke to Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services about a bill he was lobbying for, HB 2524, that would require Arizona to enter into a binding contract with other states that have agreed not to impose any new requirements on the sale or transfer of firearms beyond what is required under federal law. Rathner's concern was the potential for a ballot referendum on universal background checks in Arizona. One such ballot measure (I-594) was democratically approved by voters in the state of Washington in November 2014. “I’m trying to uphold established Second Amendment rights as far as firearms transfers,” said Rathner. “The whole point is to try to stop some New York liberal with a bunch of money [a reference to Everytown for Gun Safety head Michael Bloomberg] from imposing his values on the state of Arizona ... That’s what [members] pay the NRA for, that’s what they send their $25 in for, to make sure we’re doing everything we can to stop this stuff."

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)
    On May 10, 2016, Rathner spoke to Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services about a bill he was lobbying for, HB 2524, that would require Arizona to enter into a binding contract with other states that have agreed not to impose any new requirements on the sale or transfer of firearms beyond what is required under federal law. Rathner's concern was the potential for a ballot referendum on universal background checks in Arizona. One such ballot measure (I-594) was democratically approved by voters in the state of Washington in November 2014. “I’m trying to uphold established Second Amendment rights as far as firearms transfers,” said Rathner. “The whole point is to try to stop some New York liberal with a bunch of money [a reference to Everytown for Gun Safety head Michael Bloomberg] from imposing his values on the state of Arizona ... That’s what [members] pay the NRA for, that’s what they send their $25 in for, to make sure we’re doing everything we can to stop this stuff."

    Sources [1]

  • Animal Rights
    In 2016, Rathner successfully lobbied for a bill, HB 2637, that legalizes hunting with silencers/suppressors on public land in the state of Oklahoma. Rathner spoke to Ammoland.com on April 27, 2016 on behalf of the NFA Freedom Alliance (which lobbies for the "right" of Americans to own particularly dangerous weapons like machine guns, short-barrel rifles and silencers/suppressors), stating, "Hunting with a suppressor just makes good sense. Why not do everything you can to protect your hearing and be a good neighbor?"  The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conversation had raised concerns about HB 2637, noting that silencers/suppressors would inhibit nearby parties from hearing the report of gunfire, thereby creating a safety risk. Robert Fleenor, chief of law enforcement for the department, noted, "[If] a father and son are going to hunt somewhere and they hear shooting, they will likely decide to go somewhere else, to a different part of the area [designated for hunting]." He also wondered why a legitimate hunter would possibly want to use such a device, stating, “You can take a couple shots at something and for the most part it will stand there and have no idea you’re shooting at them."

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Environment
    In 2016, Rathner successfully lobbied for a bill, HB 2637, that legalizes hunting with silencers/suppressors on public land in the state of Oklahoma. Rathner spoke to Ammoland.com on April 27, 2016 on behalf of the NFA Freedom Alliance (which lobbies for the "right" of Americans to own particularly dangerous weapons like machine guns, short-barrel rifles and silencers/suppressors), stating, "Hunting with a suppressor just makes good sense. Why not do everything you can to protect your hearing and be a good neighbor?"  The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conversation had raised concerns about HB 2637, noting that silencers/suppressors would inhibit nearby parties from hearing the report of gunfire, thereby creating a safety risk. Robert Fleenor, chief of law enforcement for the department, noted, "[If] a father and son are going to hunt somewhere and they hear shooting, they will likely decide to go somewhere else, to a different part of the area [designated for hunting]." He also wondered why a legitimate hunter would possibly want to use such a device, stating, “You can take a couple shots at something and for the most part it will stand there and have no idea you’re shooting at them."

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Property Rights
    In 2016, Rathner successfully lobbied for a bill, HB 2637, that legalizes hunting with silencers/suppressors on public land in the state of Oklahoma. Rathner spoke to Ammoland.com on April 27, 2016 on behalf of the NFA Freedom Alliance (which lobbies for the "right" of Americans to own particularly dangerous weapons like machine guns, short-barrel rifles and silencers/suppressors), stating, "Hunting with a suppressor just makes good sense. Why not do everything you can to protect your hearing and be a good neighbor?"  The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conversation had raised concerns about HB 2637, noting that silencers/suppressors would inhibit nearby parties from hearing the report of gunfire, thereby creating a safety risk. Robert Fleenor, chief of law enforcement for the department, noted, "[If] a father and son are going to hunt somewhere and they hear shooting, they will likely decide to go somewhere else, to a different part of the area [designated for hunting]." He also wondered why a legitimate hunter would possibly want to use such a device, stating, “You can take a couple shots at something and for the most part it will stand there and have no idea you’re shooting at them."

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Lobbying Activity
    In 2016, Rathner successfully lobbied for a bill, HB 2637, that legalizes hunting with silencers/suppressors on public land in the state of Oklahoma. Rathner spoke to Ammoland.com on April 27, 2016 on behalf of the NFA Freedom Alliance (which lobbies for the "right" of Americans to own particularly dangerous weapons like machine guns, short-barrel rifles and silencers/suppressors), stating, "Hunting with a suppressor just makes good sense. Why not do everything you can to protect your hearing and be a good neighbor?"  The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conversation had raised concerns about HB 2637, noting that silencers/suppressors would inhibit nearby parties from hearing the report of gunfire, thereby creating a safety risk. Robert Fleenor, chief of law enforcement for the department, noted, "[If] a father and son are going to hunt somewhere and they hear shooting, they will likely decide to go somewhere else, to a different part of the area [designated for hunting]." He also wondered why a legitimate hunter would possibly want to use such a device, stating, “You can take a couple shots at something and for the most part it will stand there and have no idea you’re shooting at them."

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Foreign Policy
    On March 22, 2016, after a terrorist attack in the Brussels Airport in Belgium left at least 11 people dead, Rathner tweeted: "If west would just stop arresting #ISIS #DAESH thugs maybe they would leave us alone. Can hear [Democratic presidential candidate] @HillaryClinton 's hand wringing from here."

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)
    On March 22, 2016, after a terrorist attack in the Brussels Airport in Belgium left at least 11 people dead, Rathner tweeted: "If west would just stop arresting #ISIS #DAESH thugs maybe they would leave us alone. Can hear [Democratic presidential candidate] @HillaryClinton 's hand wringing from here."

    Sources [1]

  • Health Care
    On March 7, 2016, Rathner tweeted an unsourced poll showing that health care is an important issue for voters who lean both Republican and Democrat. He added the following comment: "If #Obamacare is so great why is HC major issue for Dems? What more do the leeches want? #DemDebate."

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)
    On March 7, 2016, Rathner tweeted an unsourced poll showing that health care is an important issue for voters who lean both Republican and Democrat. He added the following comment: "If #Obamacare is so great why is HC major issue for Dems? What more do the leeches want? #DemDebate."

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)
    On February 13, 2016, during the Republican presidential candidate in South Carolina, Rathner tweeted, "Why hasn't any Republican candidate attacked Trump's theme of making deals with democrats? I don't know any R's who want that! #GOPDebate."

    Sources [1]

  • Foreign Policy

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  • Republican Party (GOP)

    Sources [1]

  • Health Care

    Sources [1]

  • Race

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  • Republican Party (GOP)

    Sources [1]

  • Foreign Policy

    Sources [1]

  • Race

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  • Religion

    Sources [1]

  • Education
    In response to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence’s call for background check legislation after the Reynolds High School shooting in Troutdale, Oregon on June 10, 2014, Rathner tweeted, @CSGV Never let a tragedy go to waste!  You blood dancers only care about your anti-freedom agenda not the victims.” The shooting was perpetrated by a 15 year-old student, who shot and killed a 14 year-old student and wounded a teacher before taking his own life. He obtained the semiautomatic AR-15 rifle and handgun used in the shooting from home. Rathner followed his initial tweet with another one, which read, Calls for gun bans and restrictions on law abiding gun owners are good for gun biz. #blooddancers.”  Rathner eventually signed off that day with the following tweet: ok u all have a good night. I'm going to go clean my guns and sort ammo.”

    Sources [1] [2] [3] [4]

  • Lobbying Activity
    On May 5, 2014, Rathner tweeted an image of a blood-soaked NRA check made out to "Lobbyist" with the comment, “If I were paid by the NRA (which I am NOT) I'd be proud to cash this check! #2A #nraaam #gungrabbers #occupy losers.”

    Sources [1]

  • Women's Rights

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  • Republican Party (GOP)

    Sources [1]

  • Other Statements

    On February 1, 2013, Rathner tweeted, “The Million ‪#Muslim March???? This is what this country has become. ‪#Muslims marching on Washington on 9/11/2013 SICK!” Rathner was referring to the American Muslim Political Action Committee’s (AMPAC) planned “Million Muslim March” on September 11, 2013, the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. AMPAC’s website stated that the march was planned to “demand that our civil rights be protected by our government.” In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Muslims experienced discrimination, harassment and violence in the United States.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Women's Rights
    On January 20, 2013, Rathner engaged in a lengthy argument over Twitter with actress Tina Desiree-Berg, calling her “a violence whore” for “[selling her] image in the promotion of violence” because she has appeared in movies with firearms.

    Sources [1]

  • Lobbying Activity
    On January 20, 2013, Rathner engaged in a lengthy argument over Twitter with actress Tina Desiree-Berg, calling her “a violence whore” for “[selling her] image in the promotion of violence” because she has appeared in movies with firearms.

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    On October 8, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “#RomneyCampaignin3Words Gonna Whip Obama #ObamaCampaignin3Words Ouch My Ass‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬!” Rathner was referring to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama.

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Immigration

    On August 27, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Calling illegal aliens 'undocumented' is like calling rape 'legitimate'#illegalaliens, #immigration, #gop2012, #dnc2012.” Rathner was referring to controversial remarks made by U.S. Representative Todd Adkin (R-MO). On August 19, 2012, Akin commented on the issue of pregnancy induced by rape, stating, “It seems to be, first of all, from what I understand from doctors, it’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut the whole thing down.”

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Women's Rights

    On August 27, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Calling illegal aliens 'undocumented' is like calling rape 'legitimate'#illegalaliens, #immigration, #gop2012, #dnc2012.” Rathner was referring to controversial remarks made by U.S. Representative Todd Adkin (R-MO). On August 19, 2012, Akin commented on the issue of pregnancy induced by rape, stating, “It seems to be, first of all, from what I understand from doctors, it’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut the whole thing down.”

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Other Statements

    Sources [1]

  • Other Statements

    On August 22, 2012, Rathner tweeted at the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV), “Islam wants us all dead.”

    Sources [1]

  • Foreign Policy
    On August 10, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Don't blame @FareedZakaria for plagiarism & hatred for our #2A right to #beararms he's an internationalista metrosexual so he can't help it.” Zakaria is an Indian-American journalist and New York Times columnist who hosts a CNN talk show focused on foreign policy.

    Sources [1]

  • LGBT Rights
    On August 10, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Don't blame @FareedZakaria for plagiarism & hatred for our #2A right to #beararms he's an internationalista metrosexual so he can't help it.” Zakaria is an Indian-American journalist and New York Times columnist who hosts a CNN talk show focused on foreign policy.

    Sources [1]

  • Race
    On August 10, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Don't blame @FareedZakaria for plagiarism & hatred for our #2A right to #beararms he's an internationalista metrosexual so he can't help it.” Zakaria is an Indian-American journalist and New York Times columnist who hosts a CNN talk show focused on foreign policy.

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    On August 3, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “@davidaxelrod When are you gonna tell your crook of a boss to release his college transcripts, fast and furious documents, & his birth cert?” David Axelrod is the senior strategist for President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign. A report released by the Department of Justice’s Inspector General on September 19, 2012 found that there is no evidence that Attorney General Eric Holder was aware of the tactics used in “Fast and Furious” until after it was concluded in 2011.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    On July 22, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “A society in which life has been so cheapened a sicko can shoot up a movie theatre & the President keeps on fundraising #LiberalsBuiltThat.” Rathner was referring to a mass shooting that had occurred in Aurora, Colorado two days earlier. In that shooting, severely mentally ill gunman James Holmes killed 12 people and wounded 58 others. Holmes wore full body armor during the attack and was armed with two handguns, a shotgun, and an AR-15 assault rifle with a 100-round drum magazine. All of this equipment was legally purchased.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Lobbying Activity
    On July 20, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Very curious to know where #CCW permit holders were in #theatreshooting , CO - right to carry state. Y would people leave safety 2 others?” He was referring to a mass shooting that took place at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado that evening. Gunman James Holmes, heavily armed with multiple firearms and outfitted with body armor, killed 12 people and injured 70 others in a matter of minutes. Rathner later lambasted President Barack Obama for continuing a fundraising trip in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, tweeting, “A society in which life has been so cheapened a sicko can shoot up a movie theatre & the President keeps on fundraising #LiberalsBuiltThat.”

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Republican Party (GOP)
    On July 20, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Very curious to know where #CCW permit holders were in #theatreshooting , CO - right to carry state. Y would people leave safety 2 others?” He was referring to a mass shooting that took place at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado that evening. Gunman James Holmes, heavily armed with multiple firearms and outfitted with body armor, killed 12 people and injured 70 others in a matter of minutes. Rathner later lambasted President Barack Obama for continuing a fundraising trip in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, tweeting, “A society in which life has been so cheapened a sicko can shoot up a movie theatre & the President keeps on fundraising #LiberalsBuiltThat.”

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Foreign Policy
    On July 16, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Fellow Jews #Obama handcuffing #Israel US can't insult Iran as they build the tool 2 hasten the return of the Caliphate,” along with a link to an Israel National News article claiming that President Barack Obama's National Security Advisor, Tom Donilon, secretly visited Israel to convince its leaders not to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Republican Party (GOP)
    On July 16, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Fellow Jews #Obama handcuffing #Israel US can't insult Iran as they build the tool 2 hasten the return of the Caliphate,” along with a link to an Israel National News article claiming that President Barack Obama's National Security Advisor, Tom Donilon, secretly visited Israel to convince its leaders not to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Republican Party (GOP)
    On July 14, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “#BarackObama apologize for being a liar would be like Rosie O'Donnell apologizing for being fat. It's just who he is.” The comment was a reference to President Barack Obama’s refusal to apologize for his remarks about whether Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney might have broken the law by lying on a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Environment
    On July 11, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Since the earth actually has been COOLING "scientists should rethink #globalwarming,” along with a link to a Daily Mail article. The article referenced a study that actually found that "the world has been on a ‘long-term cooling trend’ for two millennia until the global warming of the twentieth century."

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Conspiracy Theory
    On July 11, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Since the earth actually has been COOLING "scientists should rethink #globalwarming,” along with a link to a Daily Mail article. The article referenced a study that actually found that "the world has been on a ‘long-term cooling trend’ for two millennia until the global warming of the twentieth century."

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Other Statements

    On July 8, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “So do all these dead ‪Jihadis‬ have to share ‪72 virgins‬, or do they each get a fresh set of 72? I am so confused...” and linked to a video entitled “Hellfire missile sends a Taliban fighter to his 72 virgins.” Rathner was referring to a passage of the Qur’an which states that the prophet Muhammad said, “The smallest reward for the people of Heaven is an abode where there are eighty thousand servants and seventy-two [virgins].”

    Sources [1] [2] [3]

  • Conspiracy Theory

    On July 2, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “My fellow ‪Jews‬ better wake up soon, the self hating ‪[U.S. Representative and Democratic National Committee Chair] Debbie Wasserman Schultz has allied herself with today's ‪Nazi‬’s.” Debbie Wasserman Schultz is Jewish. One of the “allies” Rathner was referring to was Evelyn Garcia, a critic of U.S. military support for Israel and a Palm Beach County representative to the Democratic National Committee.

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Freedom of Speech

    On May 25, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “If SECupp was my sister Larry Flynt would be lying in the street bleeding out.” Sarah Elizabeth Cupp (S.E. Cupp) is a conservative political commentator and writer. Rathner was referring to a faked explicit photo of S.E. Cupp which appeared in Hustler Magazine, which is owned by Larry Flynt. Flynt released a statement about the photo, saying, “That’s satire. I’m able to publish this because of the Supreme Court case I won in 1984, Flynt v. Falwell.” Hustler Magazine v. Falwell was a 1988 U.S. Supreme Court decision that held that the First Amendment protects parodies of public figures as long as they could not be reasonably taken as true.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Vigilantism

    On May 25, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “If SECupp was my sister Larry Flynt would be lying in the street bleeding out.” Sarah Elizabeth Cupp (S.E. Cupp) is a conservative political commentator and writer. Rathner was referring to a faked explicit photo of S.E. Cupp which appeared in Hustler Magazine, which is owned by Larry Flynt. Flynt released a statement about the photo, saying, “That’s satire. I’m able to publish this because of the Supreme Court case I won in 1984, Flynt v. Falwell.” Hustler Magazine v. Falwell was a 1988 U.S. Supreme Court decision that held that the First Amendment protects parodies of public figures as long as they could not be reasonably taken as true.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Race
    On May 19, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Drop Zimmerman’s murder charge.” He was referring to George Zimmerman, who was acquitted of murder charges after shooting unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida on February 26, 2012. Martin was returning to his place of residence to watch a basketball game after getting snacks at a convenience store when Zimmerman engaged him, armed with a pistol.

    Sources [1]

  • Vigilantism
    On May 19, 2012, Rathner tweeted, “Drop Zimmerman’s murder charge.” He was referring to George Zimmerman, who was acquitted of murder charges after shooting unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida on February 26, 2012. Martin was returning to his place of residence to watch a basketball game after getting snacks at a convenience store when Zimmerman engaged him, armed with a pistol.

    Sources [1]

  • Foreign Policy
    On October 18, 2011, Rathner tweeted, “Good [that] #GiladSchalit is home...Better [that] #Israel should start assassinating the Arab dogs they were forced to release to get him home.” The tweet references Gilad Shalit, an Israeli journalist and soldier who was captured and held captive by Hamas for five years, until the group released him in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian and Arab prisoners of Israel.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Race
    On October 18, 2011, Rathner tweeted, “Good [that] #GiladSchalit is home...Better [that] #Israel should start assassinating the Arab dogs they were forced to release to get him home.” The tweet references Gilad Shalit, an Israeli journalist and soldier who was captured and held captive by Hamas for five years, until the group released him in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian and Arab prisoners of Israel.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Religion
    On October 18, 2011, Rathner tweeted, “Good [that] #GiladSchalit is home...Better [that] #Israel should start assassinating the Arab dogs they were forced to release to get him home.” The tweet references Gilad Shalit, an Israeli journalist and soldier who was captured and held captive by Hamas for five years, until the group released him in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian and Arab prisoners of Israel.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Lobbying Activity

    On August 8, 2011, Rathner tweeted, “Recovering and catching up after ALEC in Nawlins. It was fun to see all my fellow lobbyists and legislator friends.” The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) was founded by conservative stalwart Paul Weyrich in 1973 and provides model legislation to politicians. While ostensibly a nonpartisan organization, the model legislation offered by ALEC promotes only a conservative agenda. According to The Nation, “ALEC’s priorities for the 2011 session included bills to privatize education, break unions, deregulate major industries, [and] pass voter ID laws.”

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Race
    On July 8, 2016, Rathner posted on Facebook reacting to a mass shooting that had occurred the night before in Dallas, Texas. Micah Xavier Johnson, a Black Lives Matter activist, killed five police officers and injured seven others. Rathner remarked, "Yep blame the guns. Don't blame the rhetoric of [President Barack Obama] and his leftist friends who have encouraged the anti police activities and statements of these groups who chant 'What do we want? ... DEAD COPS!' Well Obama and [Democratic presidential candidate Hillary] Clinton's anti cop friends have reaped what they've sewn. Dead cops."

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)
    On July 8, 2016, Rathner posted on Facebook reacting to a mass shooting that had occurred the night before in Dallas, Texas. Micah Xavier Johnson, a Black Lives Matter activist, killed five police officers and injured seven others. Rathner remarked, "Yep blame the guns. Don't blame the rhetoric of [President Barack Obama] and his leftist friends who have encouraged the anti police activities and statements of these groups who chant 'What do we want? ... DEAD COPS!' Well Obama and [Democratic presidential candidate Hillary] Clinton's anti cop friends have reaped what they've sewn. Dead cops."

    Sources [1]

  • Education

    On June 16, 2011, Rathner tweeted, “TUSD [Tucson Unified School District] smacked down over La Raza program. When will we get America back in our schools?” Rathner was referring to an optional course in Mexican-American Studies offered by the Tucson Unified School District, which is 60% Latino. The course—which is open to students of any ethnicity—may be discontinued under a 2011 Arizona state law, HB 2281, that bans classes designed for students of a particular ethnic group. Defenders of the course—which has been tied to higher academic achievement—have filed a lawsuit alleging that HB 2281 violates the free speech and due process protections of the U.S. Constitution.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Freedom of Speech

    On June 16, 2011, Rathner tweeted, “TUSD [Tucson Unified School District] smacked down over La Raza program. When will we get America back in our schools?” Rathner was referring to an optional course in Mexican-American Studies offered by the Tucson Unified School District, which is 60% Latino. The course—which is open to students of any ethnicity—may be discontinued under a 2011 Arizona state law, HB 2281, that bans classes designed for students of a particular ethnic group. Defenders of the course—which has been tied to higher academic achievement—have filed a lawsuit alleging that HB 2281 violates the free speech and due process protections of the U.S. Constitution.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Immigration

    On June 16, 2011, Rathner tweeted, “TUSD [Tucson Unified School District] smacked down over La Raza program. When will we get America back in our schools?” Rathner was referring to an optional course in Mexican-American Studies offered by the Tucson Unified School District, which is 60% Latino. The course—which is open to students of any ethnicity—may be discontinued under a 2011 Arizona state law, HB 2281, that bans classes designed for students of a particular ethnic group. Defenders of the course—which has been tied to higher academic achievement—have filed a lawsuit alleging that HB 2281 violates the free speech and due process protections of the U.S. Constitution.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Race

    On June 16, 2011, Rathner tweeted, “TUSD [Tucson Unified School District] smacked down over La Raza program. When will we get America back in our schools?” Rathner was referring to an optional course in Mexican-American Studies offered by the Tucson Unified School District, which is 60% Latino. The course—which is open to students of any ethnicity—may be discontinued under a 2011 Arizona state law, HB 2281, that bans classes designed for students of a particular ethnic group. Defenders of the course—which has been tied to higher academic achievement—have filed a lawsuit alleging that HB 2281 violates the free speech and due process protections of the U.S. Constitution.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Gun Industry
    Just weeks after the January 8, 2011 shooting rampage in Tuscon that left six dead and 13 wounded, Rathner lobbied aggressively in the Arizona legislature to have the Colt single action Army revolver declared the state’s official firearm. The legislation was widely criticized, including by lawmakers (Republican state Senator Adam Driggs called the legislation an “advertisement for Colt”) and Native Americans with the Navajo Nation, who said the Colt was a tool used by white settlers to push them off their ancestral lands. "If you want to symbolize something and shove that something...in their faces, this is what it is," said Albert Hale, an ex-Navajo president. "The gun symbolized the extinction of those Indians who were here." The bill was signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in April 2011.

    Sources

  • Lobbying Activity
    Just weeks after the January 8, 2011 shooting rampage in Tuscon that left six dead and 13 wounded, Rathner lobbied aggressively in the Arizona legislature to have the Colt single action Army revolver declared the state’s official firearm. The legislation was widely criticized, including by lawmakers (Republican state Senator Adam Driggs called the legislation an “advertisement for Colt”) and Native Americans with the Navajo Nation, who said the Colt was a tool used by white settlers to push them off their ancestral lands. "If you want to symbolize something and shove that something...in their faces, this is what it is," said Albert Hale, an ex-Navajo president. "The gun symbolized the extinction of those Indians who were here." The bill was signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in April 2011.

    Sources

  • Lobbying Activity

    On December 3, 2010, Rathner tweeted, “Looks like Campus Carry will be a big issue in AZ this year. Maybe people in these defenseless vicitms [sic] zones will now have some protection.” He was referring to SB 1467, a bill that sought to force the states’ public colleges and universities to allow students and faculty to carry guns on their campuses. After being amended substantially, the bill was passed by the Arizona state legislature and sent to Republican Governor Jan Brewer. She vetoed the legislation on April 18, 2011, however, calling the bill “poorly written.” Among those who opposed SB 1467 were the following: the Arizona Board of Regents; the presidents and chiefs of police of the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University, and; the Joint Council of Presidents of Arizona’s public community colleges and universities. "Guns have no place in schools," said Arizona State University President Michael Crow.

    Sources [1] [2] [3] [4]

  • Immigration

    On February 22, 2011, Rather posted a photo on Facebook of a sign that prohibited eating, drinking, and smoking in a hearing room, and then complained that Spanish-speakers were not abiding by the sign. He also indicated that he doesn’t consider what Spanish-speakers eat to be real food.

    Sources [1]

  • Race

    On February 22, 2011, Rather posted a photo on Facebook of a sign that prohibited eating, drinking, and smoking in a hearing room, and then complained that Spanish-speakers were not abiding by the sign. He also indicated that he doesn’t consider what Spanish-speakers eat to be real food.

    Sources [1]

  • Other Statements

    On December 3, 2010, Rathner tweeted, “Looks like Campus Carry will be a big issue in AZ this year. Maybe people in these defenseless vicitms [sic] zones will now have some protection.” He was referring to SB 1467, a bill that sought to force the states’ public colleges and universities to allow students and faculty to carry guns on their campuses. After being amended substantially, the bill was passed by the Arizona state legislature and sent to Republican Governor Jan Brewer. She vetoed the legislation, however, who calling it “poorly written.” Among those who opposed SB 1467 were the following: the Arizona Board of Regents; the presidents and chiefs of police of the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University, and; the Joint Council of Presidents of Arizona’s public community colleges and universities. "Guns have no place in schools," said Arizona State University President Michael Crow.

    Sources [1] [2] [3] [4]

  • Other Statements

    Rathner called then-MSNBC host Keith Olbermannn a “dirty Nazi” via Twitter on November 5, 1010.

    Sources [1]

  • Political Violence

    On Election Day 2010, Rathner tweeted, “For some reason there were no Black Panthers at my polling place this morning. I don't think they'd do well intimidating anyone in AZ!” Rathner was referring to two members of the New Black Panther Party who were accused by conservative media outlets of intimidating voters outside a polling station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Election Day in 2008. No complaints of voter intimidation were ever received from individuals at that polling station, however, and a criminal investigation of the matter by the Department of Justice was dropped during the George W. Bush administration.

    Sources [1]

  • Race

    On Election Day 2010, Rathner tweeted, “For some reason there were no Black Panthers at my polling place this morning. I don't think they'd do well intimidating anyone in AZ!” Rathner was referring to two members of the New Black Panther Party who were accused by conservative media outlets of intimidating voters outside a polling station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Election Day in 2008. No complaints of voter intimidation were ever received from individuals at that polling station, however, and a criminal investigation of the matter by the Department of Justice was dropped during the George W. Bush administration.

    Sources [1]

  • Other Statements

    Sources [1]

  • Republican Party (GOP)

    On the eve of the November 2, 2010 congressional elections, Rathner tweeted, “Just hours till our "Hopey, Changey" experiement [sic] with socialism is over, I can almost hear the Constitution sighing with relief,” and, “I wonder how the ‘Astro Turf’ is gonna feel when [then-House Speaker] Nancy [Pelosi], [Senate Majority Leader] Harry [Reid], and BHO [President Barack Hussein Obama] land smack in the middle of it tomorrow.” Rathner was defending Tea Party organizations that had been accused of being “astroturf” (i.e., corporate-backed interests) rather than true grassroots groups. Hope and change were two persistent themes of Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.

    Sources [1] [2]

  • Lobbying Activity

    As a result of Rathner’s efforts on behalf of the knife lobby, there are now no restrictions on the carrying of knives in Arizona and local municipalities are prohibited from enacting their own knife regulations. Even openly carrying a samurai sword in public is now legal in Arizona.

    Sources [1]

  • Other Statements

    On March 25, 2010, Rathner posted a photo of then-First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Fidel Castro on his Facebook Wall with the caption “Well somebody's happy about Obamacare!” He was referring to the "Patient Affordability and Protection Act," which had been signed into law by President Barack Obama two days earlier.

    Sources [1]

  • Environment

    On March 24, 2010, Rather posted an image on his Facebook Wall of a board game called “Obamopoly” (a parody of the popular game Monopoly). The game board suggests that the President can use a “Race Card” to “Get Off Scot-Free.” Other board squares rail against "Cap and Trade" legislation and "Socialized Medicine," and mock Americans who collect welfare.

    Sources [1]

  • Health Care

    On March 24, 2010, Rather posted an image on his Facebook Wall of a board game called “Obamopoly” (a parody of the popular game Monopoly). The game board suggests that the President can use a “Race Card” to “Get Off Scot-Free.” Other board squares rail against "Cap and Trade" legislation and "Socialized Medicine," and mock Americans who collect welfare.

    Sources [1]

  • Poverty

    On March 24, 2010, Rather posted an image on his Facebook Wall of a board game called “Obamopoly” (a parody of the popular game Monopoly). The game board suggests that the President can use a “Race Card” to “Get Off Scot-Free.” Other board squares rail against "Cap and Trade" legislation and "Socialized Medicine," and mock Americans who collect welfare.

    Sources [1]

  • Race

    On March 24, 2010, Rather posted an image on his Facebook Wall of a board game called “Obamopoly” (a parody of the popular game Monopoly). The game board suggests that the President can use a “Race Card” to “Get Off Scot-Free.” Other board squares rail against "Cap and Trade" legislation and "Socialized Medicine," and mock Americans who collect welfare.

    Sources [1]

  • Other Statements

    Rathner lobbied for a 2005 bill that sought to allow concealed handgun permit holders in Arizona to carry loaded, concealed handguns into establishments that serve alcohol. The guns in bars bill was opposed by all major law enforcement organizations and a large segment of the tourism industry, including the Arizona Restaurant Association. The legislation was passed by the Arizona legislature, but subsequently vetoed by then-Governor Janet Napolitano, a Democrat. Rathner vowed that the legislation would come up again, and suggested that the Second Amendment rights of Arizona residents were being infringed upon if they could not carry guns into bars (in reality, laws prohibiting such behavior date back to Arizona’s Frontier Era. The bill did come up again, and was eventually signed into law in 2009 by Arizona’s Republican Governor, Jan Brewer. It took effect on September 30, 2009.

    Sources [1] [2] [3] [4]

  • Other Statements

    Rathner posted a photo of President Barack Obama made to look like the Batman villain The Joker on his Facebook Wall on August 4, 2009. At the bottom of the image is the word “SOCIALISM.” The image has been denounced as racist for showing an African American in “whiteface” in a reversal of traditional minstrel roles. A writer for LA Weekly commented, “The only thing missing is a noose.”

    Sources [1] [2] [3]

  • Gun Industry

    The T. Jeffrey Safari Company is a participant in the NRA’s “round-up” program, which allows customers to round up their safari trip purchases to the next round dollar increment, with the excess funds going directly to the NRA.

    Sources [1]