Bloglander

The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility launched its TV advertising campaign yesterday to promote Initiative 594, a statewide ballot measure to broaden background checks on all gun purchases. 

The ad, titled "Prevent," features former Bellingham Chief of Police Don Pierce. Citing FBI data, in the ad, Pierce credits current background check laws with stopping more than 40,000 people — "felons, domestic abusers, you name it" — from purchasing guns in Washington state. 

I-594 would close the so-called "gun show loophole" allowing people to buy firearms online or at gun shows without submitting to a background check. The initiative grants several exceptions, however, including for immediate family members who exchange guns as gifts and people who temporarily borrow guns for hunting, sport or self-defense. Antique gun sales and transfers also are exempt. I-594 faces a competing measure this November, Initiative 591, which would prohibit the state from mandating additional background checks unless required by federal law. 

Watch the new ad below.