Lorenzo Hall Staff reporter

October 17, 2009
GLEN ALLEN—
Congressman, Eric Cantor hosts the "Republican Roundup" every year. It's a chance for Virginians to meet state and local leaders. This year, it was also planned to get Republicans energized for the upcoming election. However, left out were some of the GOP's most consistent supporters: gun owners. The event is held at the Innsbrook Pavilion, an anti-gun establishment.

The head of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, Philip VanCleave said Republican leaders are jeopardizing their support by hosting the event at an anti-gun location. Members of the VCDL say they had proposed an alternative location to the Virginia GOP, but, say their requests were ignored. VanCleave called having the event at such a location an infringement upon his group's second amendment rights.

Congressman, Cantor disagrees and said, "They've got it all wrong. This is private property. The Innsbrook management company has made their policies and I think the folks have an issue with the Innsbrook management folks."Cantor also said the location was chosen because of parking and accessibility.

Republican Gubernatorial candidate, Bob McDonnell was also in attendance. McDonnell said he is a strong supporter of the second amendment and doesn't want protesters to distort his position.