richard luger was born in indianapolis in 1932. he was an eagle scout, and not just an eagle scout. he was distinguished scout, a very exciting award. in 1950 he graduated first from his class, very nicely done, and then in '54, graduated again first in his class, and then won a rhodes scholar. richard luger was one of those guys who it was clear from a very early age was marked for greatness. he didn't disappoint. he was mayor of indianapolis by 35, and a u.s. senator at 44. in fact, in the election when he first went to the senate he won by 19 points and never looked back, in 1982, won re-election by 8 points, in '88, by 36 points, in 1994, lucky number 36 points, a huge landslide victory. and then in 1996 he decided to run for president, but didn't win that race, perhaps because of ads he put out like this one. >> i believe in the second amendment and our right as americans to own a gun, for self-protection, to hunt and to collect. but there is no right to sweep a playground with an assault weapon. i parted company with senators graham and dole, i did what i felt was right. >> di