Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Home Page Tom Cruise might be the first person many Americans think of when they hear the phrase “Top Gun.” But within
the walls of Congress, that moniker is carried by U.S. Rep. Chris Carney. Carney Carney, D-Dimock Township, took that honor in the trapshooting portion of Tuesday’s annual Congressional Shoot Out. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation pits the Democrats against the Republicans in a friendly competition to determine the top shooters in Congress. This year the Democrats outgunned the Republicans at the Prince George’s County Trap & Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, Md. Carney has been on Team Democrat twice in the past three years both times they captured the cup – and yes, there is really a cup. “They don’t like losing to us,” Carney said of the Republicans. He pointed out that he missed the 2008 event due to a scheduling conflict and the Republicans won. While there is competition and bragging rights on the line, the day is about kinship and raising funds for several Washington, D.C.-area charities. In between shoots, the congressmen talk about hunting and fishing and their appreciation of the outdoors.
“The Congressional Shoot Out is an excellent opportunity to spend the afternoon with members of Congress and the many people and organizations who support (the foundation) and care about the American traditions of hunting, fishing and the shooting sports,” said Jeff Crane, foundation president.