DUCK!

by: Media In Trouble

Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 12:30:22 PM EST

This prompted Assemblyman Reed Guscoria to call for stronger drunk hunting laws. The hilarious press release complete with Elmer Fudd comparisons follows the break in full glory.

Trenton -  Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to New Jersey on Monday to raise campaign cash for GOP Senate candidate Tom Kean Jr. has prompted Assemblyman Reed Gusciora to call for updated "drunken hunting" laws.

  "The first thing Tom Kean Jr should do is distribute high-visibility orange vests to everyone in New Jersey who comes within rifle range of Dick Cheney," said Assemblyman Reed Gusciora. "Even though Republican contributors are the least likely victims of this Administration's reckless and dangerous behavior, they should still take precautions to protect themselves."

  "The Vice President's hunting mishap gave new meaning to the long-running criticism of the Bush Administration's policies as hazardous to the public's health and safety," continued Gusciora. "It also brings attention to the danger of intoxicated hunting."

  Existing law carries a minimal penalty of $50 and only vaguely defines "intoxication." Assemblyman Gusciora will introduce legislation that would increase the fine to $350 for hunting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If bodily harm is caused to another, the penalty would include a 45 day jail term and a $500 fine.

  "Dick Cheney and George Bush have stubbornly refused to be accountable for the harm their policies have caused, especially the War in Iraq," stated Assemblyman Gusciora. ". But we should send a message to the President, the Vice President and to Tom Kean Jr that they will be held responsible for their policies as well as their actions."

  Mr Cheney admitted drinking alcoholic beverages before shooting one of his hunting companions, but the police were prevented from testing or even assessing the degree of intoxication because they were denied access to the Vice President until the following day - a "courtesy" unlikely to be granted to most hunters or motorists involved in serious incidents, Assemblyman Gusciora noted.

  The Republican State Committee's attempt to downplay Cheney's visit shows that they are willing to ignore the strong New Jersey opposition to the Bush Administration in exchange for campaign cash, Assemblyman Gusciora pointed out.

  "Publicly, they are welcoming the Veep as if he were Elmer Fudd," concluded Gusciora.