BAKER, Fla. – A congressional candidate in Florida's panhandle plans to give away an AR-15 rifle on July Fourth, and what may seem insensitive in some parts of Florida is being greeted with enthusiasm in the small town of Baker.
Baker is about as rural as Florida gets -- a population of 300 people give or take, "In God We Trust" emblazoned the water tower, and an auto parts store promotes shopping local with a flag.
Jennifer Augustine runs a feed store and said guns here are a way of life.
"They like to shoot for sport and pleasure and protection of their family," Augustine said. "There's a bunch of crazy people out there."
Greg Evers is the state Senator there who is running for Congress. This week he announced he's giving away a brand new AR-15 rifle. It's similar to what was used in Orlando, and it's exactly what the president and others want to ban.
"This has nothing to do with the incident in Orlando," Evers said.
"But it could still be construed as insensitive?" reporter Mike Vasilinda asked.
"Not really, because this is the Second Amendment we're talking about," Evers said.
The gun is top of the line, valued at just under $2,000. The Second Amendment is printed on the lower portion of the rifle.
In addition to passing a background check, people also have to live in the First Congressional district.
Evers has been promoting the contest on Facebook. After complaints, the post was removed. His follow-up post said the action was anticipated and the contest will continue.
"Being a conservative, being born and raised here," Evers said.
Related: Congressman: Terror won't stop my AR-15 giveaway
While some, even many, may not like the gun giveaway, it seems to be playing well in this First Congressional district.
"Just how well it goes over will get a real answer when primary voters make a choice in late August," Baker resident Hayward North said.
Evers has also gotten an earful on social media with one post wishing his son ill at the hands of an AR-15.
Evers said he isn’t surprised by the comments. His chief rival in the GOP primary calls the giveaway a stunt, but he, too, is a staunch gun right supporter.