AK-47 giveaway aims to win votes for Dean Allen

Food, ammo and rifle kick off candidate's campaign for adjutant general

E. Richard Walton

Greenville News 

STAFF WRITER 

September 27, 2009

 

 

Dean Allen talks with supporters during a barbecue and gun giveaway that kicked off his campaign for adjutant general on Saturday. (CINDY HOSEA/Staff)

 

 

They crowded into a shooting range on Poinsett Highway on a day when heavy rains might have kept them home, itching for a shot at winning an AK-47 rifle or at least shoot something that spit out a lot of lead.

Approximately 500 people showed up Saturday, some paying $25 for barbecue and ammo to take target practice with the weapon of their choice. The sweepstakes for the assault rifle, the type used against U.S. troops in Vietnam, was included at no charge.

The event marked the kickoff of Dean Allen’s candidacy for state adjutant general. Allen, 58, of Greenville, said the “machine gun social” was his way of celebrating the second amendment and showing solidarity against gun-rights opponents.

And he’s hoping it might win him a few votes.

“In politics, you have to stand out,” he said. “If you stand out in something, you’re going to get a little more attention.”

Many came up to Allen to express their support. Allen, dressed in a blue blazer, gray slacks and red, white and blue tie, said he is an Army veteran who served two tours in Vietnam.

Lisa Flaugher of Pickens said she came to the event at the Allen Arms Indoor Shooting Range to support Allen and try to win the AK-47.

“I want the gun for target practice,” she said.

The shooting range is owned by Frank Allen, who is not related to the candidate.

South Carolina is the only state that elects its adjutant general, who administers the Army and Air National Guard, the State Guard and the Emergency Management Division. Incumbent Adjutant General Stan Spears, a Republican, hasn’t said whether he will seek another term.

Allen said he served six years in the State Guard, but resigned in April in case Spears does run. Allen didn’t like the idea of running against his top commander, he said.

Allen said he wants the job so he can gather more support for the State Guard. He said he would try to get an updated radio system and other equipment so that the State Guard can work with greater efficiency.

The winner of the AK-47 will receive a gift certificate, Allen said. To take possession of the rifle, he or she will have to pass an FBI background check, show identification and fill out federal paperwork.

Allen, 58, said his consulting agency, Dark Horse Strategy Group of Spartanburg, came up with the idea for the AK-47 giveaway. Dark Horse spokeswoman Nicole Cobb said her company likes to be original and work with candidates “who are true conservatives.”

“I like to tell people I’m not the country club conservative, Allen said. “I’m the machine gun one.”