NRA Columbus chosen for convention
A spokesman said the city was chosen due to its convention center and lodging options.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- The National Rifle Association will hold its 2007 convention in Ohio's capital city, which is considering banning assault weapons.
The group, which expects to draw 60,000 people over three days at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, opposes any attempt to revive a federal ban on military-style assault weapons. The NRA also considered Portland, Ore., and Reno, Nev., for the annual event.
The convention is used as a forum for addressing gun-related issues, and guns and accessories are displayed. No guns are sold, but orders can be placed on the exhibit-hall floor.
Columbus City Council held several public hearings on assault weapons last fall, shortly after the expiration of a federal ban on 19 kinds of guns, including AK-47s and Uzis.
But Councilman Michael C. Mentel, who presided over the hearings, said it's uncertain when a citywide ban might be proposed or what weapons would be included. Mentel said he's not opposed to the NRA holding its convention in Columbus.
NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam said Tuesday the group selected Columbus because the convention center is the right size and there are plenty of hotels nearby.
The NRA, which says it has a national membership of about 4 million, is riding a wave of success. Its membership is at an all-time high. And it has helped elect Republicans who support their agenda, including limiting lawsuits seeking damages against gun manufacturers and distributors and preventing a federal ban on assault weapons.
The NRA's 2005 convention was held last month in Houston.