Bush creates 'sportsmen's coalition' on gun rights

GRINNELL, Iowa, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has created a "sportsman's coalition," a group he says will spread the message about the importance of hunting and fishing traditions.

The announcement on Tuesday named several initial members of the coalition, including former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., and several former Florida politicians.

"Jeb's Sportsmen's Coalition will help spread Jeb's message about the importance of hunting and fishing traditions and protecting the second Amendment for law-abiding citizens," the statement said.

Bush was expected to discuss the coalition at an appearance at Brownwell's Firearms Manufacturing in Grinnell, Iowa on Wednesday.

Former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley told USA Today that Bush is a "champion" for the second amendment.

"I've hunted and fished all my life, and I know Jeb Bush has stood up to the relentless, repeated attacks on our Second Amendment rights," Riley said. "I have no doubt he will continue to lead that fight in the Oval Office."

The move appears to be a reaction to President Obama's executive action on gun control, announced last week. Bush's polling numbers still lag behind other members of the GOP field with RealClear Politics putting him at 4.7 percent in an average of several recent polls.

The latest Gallup poll showed Bush's favorability rating dropping to last place among GOP presidential candidates.

Bush was asked about the significant drop in an interview with Newsmax on Friday, to which he responded: "Hell if I know, I don't really care."