Paid Bloomberg Lobbyist Testifies in MN

David Chipman is a paid lobbyist for Mayors Against Illegal Guns which was founded by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino for the purpose of imposing stricter gun laws across America. The group has also received over $1 million in funding from George Soros’ pet project, the Joyce Foundation.

Chipman was given 10 minutes at the start of Minnesota’s State Senate Judiciary Committee to share his expertise on proposed gun control legislation. He was introduced as an FBI professional speaking to the committee as an expert on firearms safety. Senator Julianne Ortman (R) offered for the record that Chipman is a paid lobbyist and therefore has an opinion. Ortman said Chipman should be considered a testifier versus a presenter and therefore asked for and received additional time for opposition testimony. Chipman recited essentially the same talking points as he has given in multiple media appearances in recent months.

When on CCTV in early February, Chipman reiterated that current laws in the city of Minneapolis have reduced gun crime, though he continues his pursuit of stricter background checks.

Chipman also had an appearance on Hardball with Chris Matthews.

Apparently, Chipman has become a professional testifier of sorts. He appeared before the Colorado state legislature “testifying” (read: lobbying) for gun control legislation earlier this month.

It is unclear who invited Chipman to testify in Minnesota or who is covering the cost of his travel.
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