Image Credit: Hamilton County Republican Party / Facebook & Martin, Deedman22 / CC
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
After state officials rejected their request to hold a handgun raffle, the Hamilton County Republican Party has announced it will instead host a “No-Cost, Equal-Chance Giveaway,” featuring a Glock 19 pistol as the top prize.
The giveaway, set to take place during the party’s monthly meeting on October 20, is a way to promote fellowship and celebrate the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
Every attendee will receive one free and equal chance to win, with no donation required. Alongside the handgun, second and third prizes of $100 and $50 cash will also be awarded.
The group initially launched a raffle over the summer to raise funds through its Precinct 91 chapter and stated that they received approval from the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance (TREF) before proceeding.
However, just before the scheduled drawing in September, TREF clarified that political action committees (PACs) are not legally allowed to conduct raffles.
“With frustrated hearts but a firm commitment to follow the law, we dutifully canceled the raffle in September,” the officials said in a statement. “To honor the good intentions behind the original effort to bring Republicans together, we are hosting this No-Cost, Equal-Chance Giveaway at our October meeting.”
Those who bought tickets for the now-canceled raffle will automatically be entered into the giveaway as a courtesy, the organizers said. They are also offering refunds to former participants who do not wish to have their contributions converted into donations.
Any unclaimed funds after that date will be recorded as donations to support local Republican efforts.
The event is open to the public and all attendees will have an equal opportunity to win.
