Democratic Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy has cried foul over FOX Television’s plans to air a NASCAR race sponsored by the NRA on Saturday.

Senator Murphy feels that broadcasting the Spring Cup race would be inappropriate as new gun legislation is being debated following the December 14, 2012 shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Murphy takes issue with the NRA sponsorship of the race and feels that FOX is being insensitive to the families of the children slain in that school shooting.

UNITED STATES - APRIL 11: Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., speaks at a news conference in the Capitol to support legislation that will improve background checks for gun buyers in order to make schools safer and stop illegal gun trafficking. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) | Getty
UNITED STATES - APRIL 11: Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., speaks at a news conference in the Capitol to support legislation that will improve background checks for gun buyers in order to make schools safer and stop illegal gun trafficking. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) | Getty
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In a letter to Rupert Murdoch, Murphy wrote:

I write today to urge you to not broadcast NASCAR's NRA 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 13th.

This race, which is being sponsored by the National Rifle Association (NRA), is going to take place during the Senate's consideration of legislation to reduce gun violence. The race not only brings national attention to an organization that has been the face of one side of this heated debate, it also features the live shooting of guns at the end of the race.

Winners of the race at Texas Motor Speedway will also be given two revolvers and cowboy hats as prizes.

NASCAR has responded to Murphy by saying it will consider “taking a closer look” at its approval process for sponsors.

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