State of Virginia secondary Archives: on Gun Control
Bob McDonnell:
Fundamental individual right to bear arms
Bob believes that the Second Amendment clearly states that every law abiding citizen should have the right to own a firearm and that it is an individual right that must be protected.As Attorney General, Bob filed an amicus brief in support of the
individual right to bear arms in the case of Heller v. District of Columbia, which challenged the District's outright ban on personal handgun ownership. He was a vocal and active supporter of this position, and said the following when the Supreme
Court ruled against the District's ban: "I am pleased by today's historic decision. The Court has recognized that the Second Amendment clearly protects the individual right to keep and bear arms. This basic right was so important to our
Founders that they recognized it in the Bill of Rights. It is a fundamental individual right that government must respect and protect."
As governor, Bob will continue to defend the constitutional rights of Virginians to keep and bear arms.
Source: 2009 VA Gubernatorial campaign site, bobmcdonnell.com
Jul 21, 2009
Dave Brat:
Oppose limiting the Constitutional right to bear arms
I will oppose any efforts to undermine or limit the Constitutional right to bear arms. I am a strong supporter of gun rights. The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution for a reason--
it provides the people with the ultimate guarantee of sovereignty. I will oppose any back door attempts to confiscate guns or create a national gun registry.
All too frequently the knee jerk reaction to tragedies by the media and chattering class is to move to restrict our rights. In Congress, I will be a steady and firm supporter of our 2nd amendment rights at all times--not just when it is convenient.
Our founding documents make it clear that our inalienable rights come from God and that the job of the government is to ensure and protect those God given rights. I intend to keep it that way.
Source: 2014 VA -7 House campaign website, DaveBratForCongress.com
Jun 15, 2014
Jim Gilmore:
More gun convictions means less violent crime
In its first full year of operation, Virginia Exile has put 95 violent, gun law violators in prison for at least five years. Those convictions, out of 111 cases, produced an 86% conviction rate. Virginia Exile's success has attracted wide attention,
from other states, major cities, and in Congress, which approved a national Exile law based on our model. Thanks to this new approach to gun violence in Virginia, violent crime is down and our communities are safer.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to VA General Assembly
Jan 10, 2001
Jim Gilmore:
Strike down unconstitutional bans on possessing a firearm
Former Governor and current Senate candidate Jim Gilmore hailed the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the District of Columbia's ban on possessing a firearm as a victory for the Second Amendment. He says, "Like all Virginia gun owners, sportsmen
and hunters I am pleased by the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the unconstitutional ban on possessing a firearm."Gilmore, a member of the Board of Directors for the National Rifle Association, has been an outspoken advocate for the Second
Amendment. "I have always believed that personal and responsible firearm ownership is a fundamental right guaranteed to us by the Constitution and we must only punish those who use firearms illegally to commit crimes," says Gilmore. "I will vote to
ensure the 2nd Amendment rights of law abiding citizens are never infringed upon by the Federal government."
Gilmore notes, "Today is another reminder of the necessity of appointing strict constructionist judges who properly interpret the Constitution.
Source: 2008 VA Senate debate reported on WHSV, "Gun Decision"
Jun 27, 2008
Mark Warner:
Strong defender of the Second Amendment
Noting that he has been a strong defender of the Second Amendment, Warner said he agrees with efforts in Congress to seize control of the District's handgun regulation.
Warner agreed with Gilmore that D.C. officials appear to be trying to get around the Supreme Court ruling that the city's ban on handguns was unconstitutional.
Source: Washington Post on 2008 VA Senate debate
Sep 19, 2008
Ralph Northam:
Keep guns out of the hands of criminals & the mentally ill
Being smart on crime is just as important as being tough on crime. We need to take low cost steps to help Virginia's finest do their jobs: keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill, utilize drug courts and jail diversion to keep
non-violent offenders from being incarcerated at taxpayer expense, and work with the federal government to enforce immigration laws, rather than diverting scarce state and local resources from other responsibilities.
Source: 2016-17 VA gubernatorial campaign website NorthamForLG.com
Nov 1, 2013
Tom Garrett:
Supports constitutional carry & gun rights
Tom is a strong advocate for our 2nd Amendment rights. Tom doesn't need to talk about what he will do; he can talk about what he has done.
The 2nd Amendment says "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed", and Tom has protected that right in the Virginia Senate.
He was a co-patron for SB 48, a 'constitutional carry' bill, and he co-sponsored SB 610 to restore reciprocity for gun owners when they are out of state.Tom has received top marks from the NRA and the VCDL, including the
highest VCDL scores for any senator in Virginia for 2013, 2014, and 2015. "I have kept my promises to stand up for our gun rights as a State Senator, and I will continue to do so in Congress."
Source: 2016 VA House campaign website TomGarrettForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Tom Perriello:
Supports individual right to bear arms
Tom is a strong supporter of an individual's right to bear arms and will fight for clean streams and forests for Virginia's sportsmen.
He believes we should protect all individual constitutional rights, without politicians picking and choosing which Amendments deserve to be taken seriously.
Source: 2008 VA House campaign website PerrielloForCongress.com
Nov 1, 2008
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023