HELENA – The president of a small Montana gun manufacturer has been asked to resign after an Internet uproar over his support for Democrat Barack Obama.
Dan Cooper co-founded Cooper Firearms of Montana. The company posted a statement on its Web site saying employees, shareholders and the board of directors do not share the political views of Cooper — who was quoted in recent news stories as an Obama supporter. Cooper has also donated money to the campaign.
The company says Cooper was asked to resign after it appeared the fallout of Cooper’s support for Obama could affect employees and shareholders. Cooper could not immediately be reached for comment.
Other Obama supporters say Cooper is the victim of “political McCarthyism” and fear mongering from gun groups supporting Republican John McCain.