John Kasich on Gun Control Republican Governor; previously Representative (OH-12); 2000 & 2016 candidate for President

1999: Cool off after school shootings; 2018: time for action

ANALYSIS: Kasich claims that he only calls for "small steps" but he lists "background checks and increased attention to mental illness," which are typical first steps recommended by gun control advocates. Kasich also recommends executive action at the federal level, and action at the state and local level-- methods reasonably likely to overcome NRA opposition. Kasich's evolution on this topic now qualifies him as a moderate on gun rights, where prior to 2018 he was hard-line for the Second Amendment.

Learn from mass shooting tragedies and take action

John Kasich has spoken out on the need for reasonable reforms to prevent future massacres--including the potential of expanding background checks on gun sales and limiting the ability to sell weapons that have often been used in mass killings.

The 2nd Amendment is one of the most divisive issues in our country. Leadership requires the willingness to tackle these issues and to find solutions. Our country and our children deserve that leadership.

Significant changes, while we protect the Second Amendment

KASICH: I really do believe that. I think the people do want changes here. I think there's three kinds of people who are involved in this gun debate, those that want no changes on guns--believe me, they're there and they're strong--and those people that think there ought to be significant changes, even while we protect the Second Amendment. And the third group are a bunch of politicians who are afraid of their own shadows. But the fact of the matter is, it's a massive effort here. If we can keep the pressure on, we're not going to change everything overnight, but you can get significant changes. And I hope so. And if they do not bring about change, I think people should be held absolutely accountable at the ballot box, and no question about it.

We need bipartisan gun reform to deal with mass shootings

Last year, legislation Kasich signed went into effect that expanded where people can carry concealed handguns to include willing colleges and day-care facilities. But last November in an op-ed, Kasich called for a bipartisan approach to implement some kind of gun reform.

This week, he said Congress' history of inaction on the issue and the likelihood it will not address it in the wake of the recent high profile mass shooting was just one sign of broad dysfunction, citing the immigration debate as another example. "Think about how bad it is in Congress," Kasich said. "They can't decide anything. They can't agree to anything down there."

Background checks and increased attention to mental illness

"I'm not calling for some outright ban," Kasich said. "I'm talking about small steps that can be taken that can be effective, and the Congress ought to do it. I just don't have any confidence in them. I don't think most Americans do.

Kasich said there were honest disagreements on the issue from people who "feel strongly" and stressed he supports the Second Amendment. Still, he tried to make the case that even ardent supporters of the Second Amendment should be open to some kind of change in policy. "If you're a strong Second Amendment person, you need to slow down and take a look at reasonable things that can be done to answer these young people," Kasich said.

Supports state reciprocity and concealed carry

• Kasich is a gun-owner himself, and in his 2014 reelection was endorsed by the NRA for his support of the Second Amendment as an inviolate part of our Constitution.
• Removing Burdensome Restrictions for Law-Abiding Concealed Carry Licensees: Kasich enacted legislation protecting Ohio's concealed carry laws, including allowing for reciprocity licenses with other states where permit holders can carry their firearms.
• Opposing Obama's Gun Control Efforts: John Kasich opposes President Obama's gun control executive orders. His efforts to expand the federal government's interference with Americans' Right to Keep and Bear Arms are wrong and the governor opposes them.

Registering mentally ill is first priority in gun control

KASICH: I've never heard it until right now. I have a lot of respect for Bill Bratton, but I will also tell you that Americans want to defend themselves. And that what we really need to focus on firearms right now is making sure that states use their databases to upload the people who have mental illnesses. And if we want to examine people who are on terrorist watch lists and not let them buy a gun, it's something that ought to be considered. It's the first I've ever heard of it.

2nd Amendment advocate: NRA rating changed from "F" to "A"

KASICH: That was an assault weapon ban. I'm a Second Amendment advocate. I don't believe the government should be taking guns from people. I think people have a right to be armed. It's about keeping the Second Amendment and it's allowing legitimate gun owners to be able to do what they want, which is exercise their constitutional right. So people don't need to worry about that.

Q: Do you regret your vote for the assault weapons ban in '94?

KASICH: No, when I look at it now, it was superfluous. We were adding a law that had no impact. And I don't think that's ever smart to do.

Keep existing restrictions, but tighten up on terrorist guns

Kasich indicates support of the following principles concerning gun issues.
• Maintain all federal registration procedures and restrictions on possessing firearms.
• Implement tighter restrictions on firearm sales in an effort to hinder terrorist groups from stockpiling weapon arsenals.

Cool off before making new gun laws after Littleton

More parenting better than more gun laws

Voted YES on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1.

Opposes restrictions on the right to bear arms.

The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.

The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Further restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms"