Fundraiser Includes Semi-Automatic Weapon

A political fundraiser scheduled for an incumbent state representative was drawing questions late Thursday because of the location and the prize awarded to the winner of a shootout.

Channel 2's Lori Geary talked to Representative Sean Jerguson, the owner of Hi Caliber shooting range, who happens to be the Republican incumbent.

House Speaker David Ralston and Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers are hosting a poker-type fundraiser at the range owned by Jerguson.

“It's certainly not a gimmick and it's certainly not putting more guns on the street by any stretch of the imagination,” Jerguson said.

Jerguson’s supporters, including Ralston, would pay $50 and shoot it out for a chance to win an AR-15 a semi-automatic rifle, according to Geary.

“You get five shots and whichever five cards you shoot, that will be your hand,” explained Jerguson.

Jerguson told Geary it has been a tough climate for candidates to raise money and he wanted to do something different. The winner will go through a required FBI background check, Jerguson said.

“I've seen a lot of unique fundraisers over the years and this one is a little more unique than most,” said Channel 2 political analyst Matt Towery.

Towery told Geary this fundraiser was indicative of how difficult it has been for candidates to raise money during tough economic times.

Jerguson has no opposition in the state primary, but would face Democrat Bill Brown in November.