One of the prerequisites for holding statewide office in Texas nowadays is the gun-toting photo op.

. So has

and Land Commissioner

. Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst is the

-- just more proof that he can't be trusted.

Attorney general hopeful Barry Smitherman outdoes them all in his new campaign ad, which features gratuitous shots of the Railroad Commission chairman pledging to vigorously defend the Second Amendment while lovingly cradling and firing a hunting rifle, an assault rifle and a handgun. The ad unfortunately ends before Smitherman takes the rocket launcher for a spin.

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