State of Colorado Archives: on Gun Control
Alice Madden:
Gun safety in the wake of school shootings
Also important to Madden is gun safety, especially in the wake of the STEM school shooting. One of her sons who used to be a wildlife firefighter is now a public-school teacher, "and
I never thought I'd be in the position where I'd be more worried about him in that position than when he was putting out raging fires."
Source: Westword.com on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 11, 2019
Amy Stephens:
Co-sponsors every pro-2nd Amendment bill in Legislature
- We have a God-given right to life, liberty, and property, and government exists to protect those rights.
- Stephens leads the fight to protect your rights, safety, and security.
- Stephens is proud to have been endorsed by the NRA
- Awarded A+
ratings from the NRA and endorsed by the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition, Stephens co-sponsors every pro-2nd Amendment bill run in the legislature.
- Stephens has submitted a bill to protect your right to bear arms during a state of emergency.
Source: 2012 State House campaign website,StephensForColorado.com
Aug 18, 2012
Cary Kennedy:
No military assault weapons; universal background checks
The nine candidates at the forum answered several questions about firearm restrictions, the opioid crisis, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and growth, among others.Following the Parkland, Florida, school shooting, the candidates were clear--and differed
from one another--on their stances regarding gun restrictions. Here's what they had to say.
Democrat Cary Kennedy, former state treasurer: "We are so proud of the students in this school district who walked out and marched in protest of
the horrific violence in Florida in recognition that it is our kids, it is our students, who are the targets and victims of mass shootings all across this country," Kennedy said.
She believes it's time to ban military assault weapons in the
United States and supports mandates of universal background checks. She advocates for a "Red Flag" law, which would allow guns to be taken away from those who show risk to themselves or others.
Source: The Coloradoan on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial debate
Mar 3, 2018
Cory Gardner:
Opposed background checks gun show and online sales
Q: Enact more restrictive gun legislation?Corey Gardner: No. "Strong supporter of Second Amendment rights." Keep "guns out of the hands of criminals," but opposed background checks for gun sales at gun shows and online.
John Hickenlooper: Yes. "Will fight for comprehensive, common-sense policies to tackle gun violence," including universal background checks, restoring assault weapons ban, and magazine limits.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Darryl Glenn:
Second Amendment is unambiguous, despite acts of violence
The Second Amendment to the Constitution is unambiguous. It states that, "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Yet despite this Constitutional guarantee--the most fundamental guarantee of rights we have in this country--
President Obama and Democrats like Michael Bennet are doing everything in their power to chip away at the rights of law abiding citizens.The loss of life we have seen in recent days as a result of an act of violence is a horrific, tragic event.
But the real solution is not to take away guns from law abiding citizens--so that criminals are the only ones left with guns.
I will continue to defend the right of all Coloradans to own, purchase, and enjoy firearms without the intrusion or monitoring of the government.
Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website, ElectDarrylGlenn.com
Aug 31, 2016
Donna Lynne:
Ban bump stocks; disallow mental health excuses
The nine candidates at the forum answered several questions about firearm restrictions, the opioid crisis, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and growth, among others. Because of the number of candidates, they responded to questions in two groups before and
after an intermission.Following the Parkland, Florida, school shooting, the candidates were clear--and differed from one another--on their stances regarding gun restrictions. Here's what they had to say.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne:
: Lynne said she thinks people need to stop linking mental health and guns together because, while they're linked in some cases, it can't be used as an excuse. "We have a gun issue in this country," she said.
Lynne wants to ban bump stocks and ask Congress to take action on behalf of the entire country, adding that the discussion needs to include domestic violence.
Source: The Coloradoan on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial debate
Mar 3, 2018
Ed Perlmutter:
Ban semi- automatics; require child-safety locks
Indicate which principles you support concerning gun issues.- Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
- Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
Source: 1998 Colorado State National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Eli Bremer:
Supports proper training and education around guns
Eli shot a gun in the Olympics. He views guns as a piece of equipment that should be respected and understood as powerful tools.
He supports proper training and education around guns and their usage.
Source: 2022 Colorado Senate campaign website EliForSenate.com
Jun 27, 2022
George Brauchler:
Supports guns for self-defense
As great as our Colorado law enforcement officers are, they cannot be everywhere there is evil and danger at the most critical moments.
I will not waver on my support of the 2nd Amendment as a means for our law-abiding residents to protect themselves and their families.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website george2018.com
Jul 12, 2017
Greg Lopez:
Red Flag bill violates constitutional rights of gun owners
We must recognize the threat of mental illness or criminal intent when it comes to gun violence, but the Red Flag Bill is not the answer. It violates the constitutional rights of a person who hasn't committed any crime by ordering law enforcement
to confiscate their firearms without due process simply based on another person's belief or claim that they are a danger to themselves or others. The issue of gun violence is too important to get wrong.
Source: 2022 Colorado governor race website LopezForGovernor2022.com
Feb 15, 2021
Greg Lopez:
Don't like mass murder, but Second Amendment is important
The Second Amendment is one of the founding principles of what makes America great. And I truly believe the Second Amendment isn't only so that we can protect ourselves from harm, but it's also for us to protect ourselves from a government that may go
rogue on us. If the government decides to do something, we should have the ability to defend ourselves with the same amount, or close to the same amount, of weaponry that they have. So I would not look at doing anything that would ban anything.
I don't like to see people mass-murdered. Nobody does. But we can't weaken the document put together by our founding fathers, because that's really what gives us freedom and liberty. And most people don't understand
the true cost of freedom and liberty. It costs a lot. That's why they call America an experiment. When they start thinking they're no longer entitled to that, the experiment will start to fail.
Source: Westword.com blog on 2018 Colorado governor race
May 23, 2018
Heidi Ganahl:
Follow Constitution, protect our Second Amendment rights
[On gun rights]: "I will follow the Constitution of the United States," she said to sustained applause. "How about we protect free speech, like we've been fighting to do at CU, the most liberal place in Colorado?" she said about the
University of Colorado, garnering a few claps. "And how about we protect our Second Amendment rights and the life of the unborn?" she finished, with those rhetorical questions receiving significantly more cheers.
Source: Colorado Newsline on 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Jan 24, 2022
Jared Polis:
Supports gun-control legislation
Q: Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
A: Yes.
Source: Colorado Vote Smart 2016 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2016
Jared Polis:
Banning weapons violates the Second Amendment
Rep. Jared Polis says he thinks banning weapons possessed by law-abiding people violates the Second Amendment: "I believe it would make it harder for Colorado families to defend themselves and also interfere with the recreational use of guns by law-
abiding Coloradans," Polis said. "If we want to reduce violence, we should invest in improving our schools to ensure that young people have jobs and do not turn to gangs, crime or violence of any form, and improving access to mental health services."
Source: Denver Post on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Jan 24, 2013
Jared Polis:
Ban military-style weapons; plus CDC studies gun violence
[In the wake of the deadly Parkland school shooting]: "This is a case where the public interest in safety needs to win out over special interest politics," he said. Polis said common-sense measures are needed including the banning of military-style
weapons, not allowing access to guns to those who have temporary restraining orders and allow for the Centers for Disease Control and others to conduct gun violence research. He added that saying there's no easy solution is not an excuse for inaction.
Source: The Coloradoan on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial debate
Mar 3, 2018
Jared Polis:
Strengthen penalties for black-market gun sales
Black-market gun sales are enabling violent criminals and gangs to purchase firearms without background checks. The root of this issue is gun theft. In 2015 and 2016 alone, smash-and-grab gun store robberies resulted in nearly 400 guns being stolen in
Colorado. We should work to equip gun shops with strong security measures like closed-circuit cameras, discrete signage, and reinforced windows, which are already required of marijuana dispensaries in Colorado. We can also look to the example of
Richmond, Va., who have strengthened penalties for illegal gun sales--and seen armed robberies and gun homicides drop substantially as a result.I've encountered few issues as polarizing as our nation's deadly gun violence epidemic. It shouldn't be
this way. Like most Coloradans, I support our Second Amendment right to use guns for defense and sport. And like most Coloradans, I think we should take action to reduce gun violence and help save lives. Nothing about these views is incompatible.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial website PolisForColorado.com
Jul 4, 2018
Jared Polis:
Ban bump stocks; end black market gun sales
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Jared Polis (D): Supports gun rights for defense & sport, but would ban bump stocks, end black market gun sales, temporarily suspend dangerous people's
access to firearms, & increase gun safety.
Walker Stapleton (R): No. Wants to repeal 2013 gun control laws & will oppose all efforts to limit guns. Supports letting law enforcement seize weapons from people deemed a threat.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Colorado Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Joe O`Dea:
Supports the 2nd amendment, endorsed by Colorado NRA
As Donald Trump's U.S. Attorney in Colorado said, "Joe's a rock-solid conservative on the many other issues that are important to conservatives." Joe is endorsed by the Colorado Chapter of the NRA - he supports the Second Amendment.
Joe opposes new taxes and will fight to increase oil and gas production. Joe supports building the wall and securing the border. Joe supports a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress, and a balanced budget.
Source: 2022 Colorado Senate campaign website JoeODea.com
Jul 19, 2022
John Hickenlooper:
Keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill
Keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill
There are no easy solutions to addressing the difficult problem of gun violence and mental health. Some point to guns, others to a violent culture. Still others believe that the line between community security and individual freedom must be re-drawn.
Keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill
can find common ground in support of this proposition: Let's examine our laws and make the changes needed to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. It's not enough to prevent dangerous people from getting weapons. We have to do a better
Source: 2013 Colorado State of the State address
Jan 10, 2013
John Hickenlooper:
Universal background checks & ban on high capacity magazines
Tancredo said his choice to run against Hickenlooper again was partially to do with the governor's push for new gun control laws. Hickenlooper's popularity has slipped in recent months, arguably due to controversial legislation he signed into law that
Democratic lawmakers passed in the statehouse including universal background checks on all firearm sales and transfers and a ban on high capacity magazines that hold more than 15 rounds.
However it's difficult to say with certainty just how much the state's strict new gun control laws play into voters' feelings on Hickenlooper.
In early 2013 polling, Colorado voters overwhelmingly favored universal background check legislation and a strong majority supported a ban on high capacity magazines which hold more than 10 rounds.
Source: Huffington Post on 2014 Colorado Governor race
Dec 6, 2013
John Hickenlooper:
State Senate "Line item recall" about too-strict gun control
Q: Two Democrats in the state Senate were recalled over their support for further gun control regulation in Colorado. What are we to make of that on the national scale?HICKENLOOPER: Definitely what we called this was a "line item recall." I'm not sure
it has a national message or even a statewide message.
Q: Is there unease with the broader Democratic social agenda?
HICKENLOOPER: No. I saw most of the campaign literature in both of those recall campaigns. To the vast majority, it was very specific
about universal background checks, high capacity magazines.
Q: NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg heads up a mayor's group that is pushing for more gun control. He sunk a lot of money into trying to save these two Democratic state senators. Was it helpful?
HICKENLOOPER: In Colorado, like a lot of western states, we like to solve our own problems with our own people. So, there is a certain resentment when any outside money whether it's from Bloomberg or from National Rifle Association.
Source: CNN SOTU 2013 interview on 2014 Colorado gubernatorial race
Sep 15, 2013
John Hickenlooper:
Universal background checks but no assault weapon ban
Q: The gun legislation that you signed this week in Colorado, a hunting state, has been described as one of the toughest gun laws in the country, and yet, you didn't include semi-assault weapons ban at all. HICKENLOOPER: After the shootings last
summer in the movie theater, we really focused on mental health first then universal background checks. Colorado is a state where we have a long tradition of a relationship with guns and hunting and that traditional approach from father to child.
So we tried to tighten up a little bit things like universal background checks which clearly make a significant difference, that's where we put our initial focus.
Q: Do you think that the Congress is wrong not to go after an assault weapons ban?
HICKENLOOPER: I think the feeling right now around assault weapons at least in Colorado is that they're so hard to define what an assault weapon is. There's a lot of questions whether the federal ban made a difference. It's a tough sell.
Source: CNN SOTU 2013 interview on 2014 Colorado gubernatorial race
Mar 24, 2013
John Hickenlooper:
CO cares about 2nd Amendment, but also safe communities
Q: The Arapahoe High School shooting happened eight miles from Columbine, where we had another of these awful shootings. Is there any connection here?HICKENLOOPER: Well, we don't think so. Some people have suggested perhaps there's a copycat element
to this. But he bought the gun legally; then he bought a large amount of ammunition. Having had these episodes in the past, we do have strategies and protocols in place, where we had a deputy sheriff who was there within a minute of the first shots.
Q: You had two state legislators who were recalled from office because they led the effort to tighten gun laws out there. Where do you see this going?
HICKENLOOPER: Two things that Coloradoans deeply care about is the protection of their Second
Amendment rights, but they also care deeply about making their community safer. Things like universal background checks, I think they are going to make us safer. But in this specific case, it's not going to make a difference at all.
Source: Face the Nation 2013. on 2014 Colorado gubernatorial race
Dec 15, 2013
John Hickenlooper:
Develop a program to reduce suicides by gun
Since 2012 auto fatalities have dropped to near-historic lows because we prioritized and put resources behind education and safety programs. We need to put the same effort into increasing awareness of the links between mental health,
suicide, and guns. We're partnering with gun shops, firing ranges and firearm safety instructors on a pilot program to make sure suicide prevention is part of the conversation when addressing gun safety and education.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Colorado legislature
Jan 14, 2016
John Hickenlooper:
Endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety for gun-sense majority
Everytown for Gun Safety threw its support behind 11 Democratic Senate candidates including former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. "Everytown is going all-in to flip the Senate and elect leaders who will treat America's gun violence epidemic
like the crisis it is," the Everytown President said. The group has targeted a number of key races in the House and Senate, emphasizing the need to protect what it calls a "gun sense majority," which is mostly comprised of Democratic candidates.
Source: The Hill e-zine on 2020 Colorado Senate endorsements
Jun 9, 2020
Jon Keyser:
Firm supporter of the Second Amendment
Jon is a firm supporter of the Second Amendment and the constitutionally guaranteed right of individuals to keep and bear arms. He has proven his commitment to preserving our rights by fighting for
them as a member of the United States military.Firearms in the hands of law abiding citizens do not pose a risk to public safety--they enhance public safety.
Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website JonKeyser.com
Feb 3, 2016
Ken Salazar:
Protect the individual right to use firearms
My philosophy and views regarding guns is based in large part on my upbringing, as well as on the law. I believe that the individual right to use firearms for protection, hunting, and recreation should be protected.
I learned to use and respect firearms growing up on a ranch in the San Luis Valley, 5 miles from the nearest town, and often slept alone with a .22 rifle next to my bed for protection.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website, SalazarForColorado.com
Aug 11, 2004
Ken Salazar:
Restrict felon possession, and ban assault weapons
I believe we must have stronger enforcement of our existing gun laws, and I supported closing the gun show loophole.
I support longstanding restriction on the possession of firearms by felons, instant background checks, a ban on specific automatic weapons and assault weapons to protect the health and safety of the public and importantly law enforcement officials.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website, SalazarForColorado.com
Aug 11, 2004
Mike Johnston:
Supports common sense gun restrictions
He will continue his fight for common sense restrictions on gun ownership to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals.
Mike fought for a ban on high-capacity magazines and to extend background checks to all gun purchases.
Source: 2018 Colorado Governor website MikeJohnstonForColorado.com
Sep 1, 2017
Mike Johnston:
Ban military-style weapons; plus universal background checks
[In the wake of a deadly school shooting, gun control was discussed in the 9-person debate: "This is a simple question to me," he said. Johnston said he's been a gun owner his whole life, and prior to the Parkland shooting, he introduced a plan that
would ban military-style weapons, require universal background checks, make sure those who are a danger to themselves or others don't have access to guns & ban bump stocks. The plan, he said, fits in with the Second Amendment but also provides solutions.
Source: The Coloradoan on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial debate
Mar 3, 2018
Peg Littleton:
Advocate for responsible gun ownership
I advocate for responsible gun ownership by adults trained in firearms safety. I myself am a concealed carry permit holder. I am a member of the National Rifle Association, a gun owner and a staunch defender of gun rights.
Unfortunately some people struggle with mental illness and it is a growing issue in society. Because of this I can support background checks. I believe the founders had it right and I am a firm supporter of our unalienable, constitutional rights.
Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website PegLittleton.com
Feb 3, 2016
Ron Hanks:
An ardent, no-compromise defender of the 2nd Amendment
Ron devoutly believes in our Bill of Rights and
is an ardent, no-compromise defender of the 2nd Amendment.
Source: 2022 Colorado Senate campaign website HanksForColorado.com
Mar 29, 2022
Ron Hanks:
No restrictions on guns except for criminals/mentally ill
From the 2010 VoteSmart Political Courage Test California Congressional survey:Q: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
A: "Law-abiding citizens should not be restricted." He added on Monday that "criminals and mentally/emotionally ill should be restricted. No change."
Source: Colorado Politics on 2022 Colorado Senate race
Apr 19, 2021
Ryan Frazier:
Pro-second amendment
I'm pro-job growth, pro-balanced budget, pro-life, pro-second amendment, and pro-worker.
Common sense and a straightforward approach is part of the fabric of America's progress.
Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website FrazierForColorado.com
Feb 3, 2016
Steve Barlock:
100% for Trump unless he rejects NRA
"I'm the only candidate, period, who supports [Trump] 100 percent [and] from the very beginning," he says,
adding, "The only thing that could ever pull me away from Donald Trump is if he pulls away from the NRA."
Source: Colorado Independent on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Sep 5, 2017
Steve Barlock:
Teachers should protect students if there's a school shooter
[In the wake of the deadly Parkland school shooting, gun control was discussed in the 9-person debate: Republican Steve Barlock, co-chair of the Colorado Trump campaign: "I want to see the teachers protect their students at all means,"
he said. Barlock referenced his own experience in a shooting in 1988 and how the teachers and administrators were not around to protect their students in addition to a failed response from police.
Source: The Coloradoan on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial debate
Mar 3, 2018
Tim Neville:
The Second Amendment is a bulwark against tyranny
My Beliefs: I stand by the principles of American liberty and our Constitution:- Free Enterprise--less government regulation and lower taxes bring growth, prosperity, and opportunity to all.
-
Private property rights- you built it and it's yours, not the government's.
- Right to Work--I believe no one should be compelled to pay union dues to get or keep a job
-
The right to life of the unborn--we should protect the next generation, not fund its destruction.
- Traditional Family Values--loving parents make better decisions about the educational, social,
and moral development of their children than government bureaucrats.
- Second Amendment--is a bulwark against tyranny.
Source: 2016 Senate campaign website, NevilleForColorado.com
Oct 9, 2015
Tim Neville:
Constitutional Carry bill: no such thing as concealed permit
Sen. Neville took the latest stab at passing "Constitutional Carry" last session. The bill never became law, but if it had, there would be no-such-thing as a concealed carry permit in Colorado.
People over 21 would just be free to pack a gun wherever they go--schools, parks, grocery stores, wherever.
Neville's gun rights cred well predates his work in the legislature or even his role in the gun-rights motivated recall of 2013.
He's long had the favor of the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners--a group that bills itself as "Colorado's only no-compromise gun rights organization."
Source: The Colorado Independent on 2016 Colorado Senate race
Sep 8, 2015
Tom Tancredo:
Running in opposition to new gun control laws
Tancredo said his choice to run against Hickenlooper again was partially to do with the governor's push for new gun control laws. Hickenlooper's popularity has slipped in recent months, arguably due to controversial legislation he signed into law that
Democratic lawmakers passed in the statehouse including universal background checks on all firearm sales and transfers and a ban on high capacity magazines that hold more than 15 rounds.
However it's difficult to say with certainty just how much the state's strict new gun control laws play into voters' feelings on Hickenlooper.
In early 2013 polling, Colorado voters overwhelmingly favored universal background check legislation and a strong majority supported a ban on high capacity magazines which hold more than 10 rounds.
Source: Huffington Post on 2014 Colorado Governor race
Dec 6, 2013
Victor Mitchell:
100% record with NRA, but I don't believe in bazookas
Mitchell, who toyed with a 2014 bid for governor but declined, identified his top competition as "traditional establishment candidates." On the political spectrum, Mitchell positions himself as a conservative who is willing to reach across the aisle.
"I had a 100 percent voting record with the NRA, but I don't believe in bazookas in our schools," he said. "I may not be the most conservative candidate. I would consider myself conservative but sensible and pragmatic."
Source: Denver Post on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Feb 13, 2017
Walker Stapleton:
Supports 2nd Amendment rights; fight to protect them
The right to bear arms is a fundamental right, enshrined in the 2nd Amendment. It is embedded in the American ideals of self-reliance and independence. Whether used for hunting, sport, or self-defense, Colorado gun owners proudly embody this spirit.
Walker Stapleton will protect the rights of law abiding gun owners and fight back against efforts to limit our 2nd Amendment freedoms. Walker supports giving local communities the ability to empower teachers to voluntarily carry firearms.
Source: 2018 gubernatorial campaign website StapletonForColorado.com
Jun 23, 2018
Walker Stapleton:
Repeal existing gun control laws & oppose new efforts
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Jared Polis (D): Supports gun rights for defense & sport, but would ban bump stocks, end black market gun sales, temporarily suspend dangerous people's
access to firearms, & increase gun safety.
Walker Stapleton (R): No. Wants to repeal 2013 gun control laws & will oppose all efforts to limit guns. Supports letting law enforcement seize weapons from people deemed a threat.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Colorado Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Joe O`Dea:
Don't need new gun laws, enforce the ones we have
Look, every time we have an event, we pass another set of laws. Democrats here in Colorado have ignored the laws that are on the books. As a drug dealer, you can possess a weapon. It should be a felony. They're not taking them off the streets.
We need more cops on our streets. We need to make sure that we're enforcing the laws that we have. We don't need a whole host of new laws. What we need to do is make sure we're enforcing the ones we have.
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2022 Colorado Senate race
Oct 16, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023