State of Louisiana Archives: on Gun Control


Bill Cassidy: Right to bear arms should not be infringed

Q: What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

A: The constitutional right of a law-abiding American citizen to keep and bear arms should not be infringed. We as a country must take on and solve the root causes of crime and violence in our nation, not take away the means of everyday Americans to defend themselves and their families.

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Louisiana Senate race Nov 3, 2020

Adrian Perkins: Urge Senate to act on gun safety legislation

More than 200 mayors are urging the Senate to return to the Capitol to act on gun safety legislation amid criticism that Congress is failing to respond to back-to-back shootings that left 31 people dead. Four mayors from Louisiana signed the letter: LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans), Sharon Weston Broome (Baton Rouge), Jamie Mayo (Monroe) and Adrian Perkins (Shreveport).
Source: The New Orleans Times-Picayune on 2020 Louisiana Senate race Aug 8, 2020

Adrian Perkins: Focus on reducing number of illegal guns in city

Perkins met with law enforcement leaders and members of the city council to talk about gun violence in Shreveport. The primary focus was public safety, but specifically they focused on reducing the number of illegal guns. This topic was already on the mayor's radar because of a general spike in crime that normally happens over the summer. Perkins and Caddo Parish [Sheriff] Steve Prator came up with strategies to reduce gun violence.
Source: KTBS-TV ABC-3 on 2020 Louisiana Senate race Jun 26, 2020

John Bel Edwards: Allow concealed carry in houses of worship

HB334: New law removes the prior law requirement that the congregation be informed that the church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship has authorized the carrying of concealed handguns by a concealed handgun permit holder.

Analysis by WWL TV-4 (May 19, 2020): Louisiana lawmakers are set to discuss a series of gun bills, including one that would allow a person to bring a concealed handgun into a house of worship. HB 334 would allow a concealed handgun permit holder to carry a concealed handgun in a house of worship, if given permission from church leaders.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-24-9 on May/22/20; Passed Senate 23-9-7 on May/29/20; Signed by Governor John Bel Edwards on Jun/11/20.

Source: WWL TV-4 on Louisiana legislative voting records HB334 Jun 11, 2020

Troy Carter: Opposed concealed carry in houses of worship

HB334: New law removes the prior law requirement that the congregation be informed that the church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship has authorized the carrying of concealed handguns by a concealed handgun permit holder.

Analysis by WWL TV-4 (May 19, 2020): Louisiana lawmakers are set to discuss a series of gun bills, including one that would allow a person to bring a concealed handgun into a house of worship. HB 334 would allow a concealed handgun permit holder to carry a concealed handgun in a house of worship, if given permission from church leaders.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-24-9 on May/22/20; Passed Senate 23-9-7 on May/29/20; State Rep. Troy Carter voted NO; Signed by Governor John Bel Edwards on Jun/11/20.

Source: WWL TV-4 on Louisiana legislative voting records HB334 May 29, 2020

Lance Harris: Allow concealed carry in houses of worship

HB334: New law removes the prior law requirement that the congregation be informed that the church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship has authorized the carrying of concealed handguns by a concealed handgun permit holder.

Analysis by WWL TV-4 (May 19, 2020): Louisiana lawmakers are set to discuss a series of gun bills, including one that would allow a person to bring a concealed handgun into a house of worship. HB 334 would allow a concealed handgun permit holder to carry a concealed handgun in a house of worship, if given permission from church leaders.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 72-24-9 on May/22/20; State Rep. Lance Harris co-sponsored and voted YES; Passed Senate 23-9-7 on May/29/20; Signed by Governor John Bel Edwards on Jun/11/20.

Source: WWL TV-4 on Louisiana legislative voting records HB334 May 22, 2020

Eddie Rispone: Opposes radical Left and their gun grabbing agenda

2020 Democrats are already threatening to enact strict gun control laws on law abiding citizens. Sign our 2nd Amendment petition today to stand up to the radical Left and their gun grabbing agenda.
Source: Facebook posting on 2019 Louisiana Gubernatorial race Apr 27, 2019

John Bel Edwards: We need to do a better job with our background checks

While Mr. Edwards is a supporter of the Second Amendment and a lifelong hunter (he makes a point of telling me that all the guns he owns are for hunting), he believes "that there ought to be sensible, reasonable restrictions in some areas. For example, I know that we need to do a better job with our background checks. The overwhelming majority of gun owners are responsible, law-abiding people. And so that makes it a difficult dilemma. I've come down as a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. But I'm not somebody who just believes that there shouldn't be any regulation. That's not where I am on that issue."
Source: America Magazine on 2019 Louisiana gubernatorial race Dec 14, 2018

Clay Higgins: We already have reasonable limits on 2nd Amendment rights

We already have reasonable limits on our 2nd Amendment rights. We already are a "well regulated" militia. No one can argue with that.

The modern hysteria over guns is another example of our weakened society. Guns weren't really regulated at all prior to the 60s in America. Throughout our history, prior to just 50 years ago, a child could purchase a gun from any seller, if daddy sent him with the money. Gun free zones are always the target of terrorists and criminals. The club in Orlando was a gun free zone. Illinois laws almost completely eliminate 2nd amendment rights, yet Chicago suffers one of the highest murder rates in the entire free world. Nearly 300 have been murdered and hundreds more injured in almost 1500 reported shootings, this year alone, in Chicago, a city where legal gun ownership is next to impossible. In Congress, I will be a strong advocate of our 2nd Amendment rights.

Source: 2016 Louisiana House campaign website CaptainHiggins.com Dec 10, 2016

Foster Campbell: Enforce the gun laws we already have on the books

Q: Do you generally support gun-control legislation?

A: No. I want to work to make sure we enforce the laws we already have on the books. If we do, we can prevent a large amount of gun violence.

Source: VoteSmart 2016 Louisiana Senate Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2016

Foster Campbell: Generally opposes additional gun control measures

Caroline Fayard and Foster Campbell are fighting over which vision of the Democratic Party is best for Louisiana. Campbell, a north Louisiana state senator for a quarter-century, has the backing of the state's top Democrat, Gov. John Bel Edwards. But Fayard has been boosted by the support of high-profile New Orleans Democrats like Mayor Mitch Landrieu and consultant James Carville.

In a sense, this is a proxy battle between Gov. Edwards and the Landrieus. Edwards' endorsement of Campbell represents the continuing trend of north Louisiana Democratic populism stemming back to Huey P. Long, while the Landrieus are pushing the more progressive values of the party.

Fayard and Campbell align on major Democratic issues like preserving the Affordable Care Act--with a few tweaks--and raising the minimum wage. They also depart from the party in the same places: They both describe themselves as anti-abortion, and they both generally oppose additional gun control measures.

Source: Baton Rouge Advocate on 2016 Louisiana Senate race Sep 18, 2016

Thomas Clements: Second Amendment is the law of the land

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?

A: Law of the Land is the 2nd Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Source: Email interview on 2016 Louisiana Senate race by OnTheIssues Jul 31, 2016

John Fleming: Perennial A rating from the NRA

Fleming said voters in his state are fed up with business as usual, and he promises to change that. "I want to go to the United States Senate because I want to bring Louisiana conservative values to the United States Senate and, frankly, to Washington," Fleming said. "Louisiana voters are so frustrated with Washington, so it's time we made a huge drastic change in the right direction."

Fleming boasts a lifetime 97 percent rating from the American Conservative Union. He scores 88 percent with Heritage Action and 86 percent with Conservative Review. Beyond that, he said he's strong on the core issues Louisiana voters care about most. He also points to a consistent pro-life voting record and what he calls a "perennial A rating from the NRA."

Source: WND Radio on 2016 Louisiana Senate race Mar 2, 2016

John Bel Edwards: I support gun rights, unlike national Democrats

Vitter went out of his way to tie state Rep. John Bel Edwards, the only major Democrat in the race, to President Barack Obama. Edwards responded that he differs from national Democrats on major issues, including his opposition to abortion and his support for gun rights. Edwards also confirmed to Vitter that he voted for Obama for president and then added, "but I have never voted for David Vitter." The small studio audience laughed.
Source: Baton Rouge Advocate on 2015 Louisiana Gubernatorial debate Oct 1, 2015

Ralph Abraham: We must protect our right to bear arms

100% Pro-2nd Amendment: We must protect our right to bear arms. I'll stand with you to stop our federal government from taking away our freedom and the right to protect ourselves and our families.
Source: 2014 Louisiana House campaign website, RalphAbraham.com Dec 5, 2014

Bill Cassidy: Our 2nd Amendment freedom is in danger

Dr. Cassidy is proud to have an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association. As the Sportsman's Paradise, Bill will fight to ensure that Louisiana will not surrender its right to practice these traditions, nor will it surrender the right of its citizens to defend themselves. Under the agenda of President Obama and his liberal allies in Congress, our 2nd Amendment freedom is in danger.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Louisiana Senate race Oct 22, 2014

Garret Graves: Additional restrictive gun control laws are unneeded

Q: More restrictive gun control laws are needed now to protect public safety?

GRAVES: Strongly Disagree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race Sep 30, 2014

Ralph Abraham: Additional restrictive gun control laws are unneeded

Q: More restrictive gun control laws are needed now to protect public safety?

ABRAHAM: Strongly Disagree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race Sep 30, 2014

Jeff Landry: Fight to preserve and protect the Second Amendment rights

2nd Amendment Rights and the Louisiana Outdoors: I am a life long hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. It is a way of life for many of us here in South Louisiana.

I am a lifetime member of the NRA and Ducks Unlimited. I will fight to preserve and protect the Second Amendment rights guaranteed by our Constitution. I believe in conservation, not big government environmentalism.

Source: 2010 House campaign website landryforlouisiana.com, "Issues" Nov 2, 2010

Murphy Foster: Youth deer hunting season prior to regular season

Legislative Digest:Legislative Outcome: Signed by the Governor - Act 69. (SB866 authored by Senator Foster Campbell)
Source: Louisiana 1999 legislative voting records: SB866 Jun 9, 1999

Foster Campbell: Youth deer hunting season prior to regular season

Legislative Digest:Legislative Outcome: Signed by the Governor - Act 69. (SB866 authored by Senator Foster Campbell)
Source: Louisiana 1999 legislative voting records: SB866 Mar 16, 1999

  • The above quotations are from State of Louisiana Politicians: Archives.
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2020 Presidential contenders on Gun Control:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN)
Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021