WASHINGTON DC — Following the Supreme Court's ruling in the case District of Columbia v. Heller, Libertarian Party spokesperson Andrew Davis called the case a "landmark victory for the preservation of liberty in the United States."

The Libertarian Party was the only political party to file a brief in the case.

"Firearms are a distinct component of the American national character," says Davis. "The Libertarian Party is more than pleased to see that the Supreme Court recognizes this American tradition as an individual right, and seeks to protect it as such. Today's decision is a giant step forward in protecting the rights of millions of American gun owners."

The Libertarian Party's amicus brief, written by Libertarian Party presidential nominee Bob Barr, can be found here.

In the brief, Barr, who also serves on the board for the National Rifle Association, stated the Libertarian Party "is an established political party dedicated to a strict adherence to the Constitution," which includes "the right of an individual to keep and bear arms in the defense of life, liberty and property."

The Heller decision is expected to be a major component of presidential politics in the upcoming election, and is an issue with which both presumptive GOP nominee John McCain and Democratic nominee Barack Obama have struggled.

"Given that the NRA once called McCain one of the 'premier flag carriers for the enemies of the Second Amendment,' it is clear which political party truly cares about the Second Amendment," says Davis. "The Bush administration has consistently tried to undermine the individual's right to keep and bear arms, and the GOP seems poised again to nominate a candidate for president with a horrible track record on gun rights."

Davis remarked that "Obama isn't any better than McCain" when it comes to the Second Amendment.

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

For more information on this issue, or to arrange a media interview, please call Andrew Davis at (202) 731-0002.