Showing a resolve I didn't think the NRA posessed any more, they have announce that the previously scheduled 2007 annual convention will be relocated from Columbus. Columbus recently passed an "assault weapons ban" that is not only feel-good, do-nothing-to-reduce-crime legislation, but also contains language that "no one is allowed to possess assault weapons", which would prohibit some exhibitors from displaying their wares.

Another questionable portion of the new ban is the prohibition on any "semi-automatic pistol, or any semi-automatic, centerfire rifle with a fixed magazine, that has the capacity to accept more than ten rounds of ammunition"; which appears to ban ALL semiauto pistols as nearly every one has the capacity to receive a magazine which can hold more than 10 rounds. That is the language in the ban posted on the Columbus website, although some sources are reporting that the final language of that section was changed to "Semi-automatic pistol with a fixed magazine, or any semi-automatic, centerfire rifle with a fixed magazine, that has the capacity to accept more than ten rounds of ammunition", which would be better.

Some snippets from various articles:

It's one of the biggest conventions in the city of Columbus, but on Monday, the National Rifle association announced plans to move the convention.

The National Rifle Association chose the capital city to host its 2007 convention.

Speculation is that the city's recent vote to ban assault weapons has the group worried about the impact on exhibitors.

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On the line for the city are the 50 to 60,000 tourists projected to fill restaurants and hotels in the city, along with their money. City leaders say the convention could hace brought $12 to $15 million to Columbus

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Speaking at a press conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre stated that the NRA would return to Columbus when the Legislature enacts a preemption law that would override the Columbus ban.

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The City Council’s decision will have a negative economic impact on businesses in the greater Columbus area. Earlier this year, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce said it estimated $20 million in revenue from hotels, restaurants, entertainment and other NRA convention related spending. In addition, Columbus would have received free publicity from major national and regional new organizations covering the NRA Annual Meetings.