State of Missouri Archives: on Gun Control
Eric Burlison:
Loosen restrictions for concealed carry
HB 668 Firearm Regulation Amendments: Bill Passed House (105 - 50) ; State Rep. Eric Burlison voted YEA
Synopsis: Vote to pass a bill that lowers the minimum age for a concealed weapon permit, allows deadly force in instances of private property protection, and allows concealed firearms in any higher education institution; Highlights:-
Lowers the minimum age requirement for obtaining a concealed carry endorsement from 23 years of age to 21 years of age
- Removes the provisions without a duty to retreat from the property,
against a person who unlawfully enters, remains after unlawfully entering, or attempts to unlawfully enter private property
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2009 Missouri voting records
Apr 16, 2009
Austin Petersen:
Petersen raffles off an AR-15
Your right to bear arms is a fundamental, unalienable right protected by the Second Amendment. The government has no power to take away our means of self-defense. Austin Petersen will always be a strong ally of the Second Amendment, and we know you
will be too. That's why, when you add your name to this petition and stand up to defend the Second Amendment, we'll add your name into a raffle to win an AR-15! Yes, it really is that simple; no strings attached.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website AustinPetersen.com
Oct 1, 2017
Austin Petersen:
My ideal: gay couple defends pot farm with machine gun
Petersen said he believes strongly in expanding this right to expression for everyone. He said he strongly supports the First Amendment and Second Amendment and said his idyll
[sic; ideal] was gay married couples having the right to defend their marijuana farms with fully automatic machine guns.
Source: Southeast Arrow on 2018 Missouri Senatorial race
Nov 17, 2017
Billy Long:
I will work tirelessly to defend your 2nd Amendment rights
The right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. I am a proven supporter of your right to keep and bear arms and will fight gun-grabbing politicians from infringing on that right.
As your Senator I will work tirelessly to defend your 2nd Amendment rights and I won't back down in protecting this fundamental right.
Source: 2021 Missouri Senate campaign website BillyLong.com
Oct 18, 2021
Catherine Hanaway:
Right to bear arms differentiates America as a free nation
Ever since I was a Marksman First Class in the NRA as a girl, I have always believed that the right to bear and carry arms is what differentiates America as a truly great and free nation. We cannot stop fighting to protect our Second Amendment rights.
As Speaker of the House, I supported concealed carry and persuaded 18 Democrats to join us in overriding the Governor's veto. Making concealed carry the law of Missouri for the first time was one of my greatest legislative achievements.
I will always support the Second Amendment. An armed citizenry is, as ever, the best defense against tyranny. Action Plan:- Support passage of a Constitutional Carry bill that will allow law-abiding Missourians to carry concealed weapons without
asking the government's permission first;
- Propose laws allowing responsible campus carry, as well as carry in other public places;
- Fight all federal efforts to build a national gun database or restrict Missourians' gun rights in any other way.
Source: 2016 HanawayForGovernor.com Missouri campaign website
May 10, 2016
Chris Koster:
Supported voter amendment on right to bear arms
Koster is under increasing pressure from leaders of his own party.
This summer, Koster backed the controversial "right to farm" and "right to bear arms" amendments that voters decided this summer. Many Democrats opposed those ideas.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race
Oct 17, 2014
Chris Koster:
Endorsed by NRA; overrode veto of gun rights
The Democratic nominee, Attorney General Chris Koster, was a GOP state senator until switching parties in 2007. He's won endorsements this year from the National Rifle Association and Missouri's major agricultural organizations, all of whom typically
support Republicans.Koster backed the GOP Legislature's hallmark accomplishment--a 2014 income tax cut enacted by overriding Nixon's veto--and also sided with Republicans when they overrode Nixon's veto of a gun-rights law this September.
Source: Associated Press on 2016 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Oct 1, 2016
Claire McCaskill:
Supports background checks and assault rifle ban
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Josh Hawley (R): Supports background checks, banning bump stocks, but not assault rifles.
Claire McCaskill (D): Yes. Supports Second Amendment, but supports background checks, closing gun show loophole, assault rifle ban.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Dave Schatz:
The Missouri Way: protect our Second Amendment rights
If we stick to these principles and bring the Missouri Way to our nation's capital, the results will speak for themselves.- We will defend the unborn.
- We will protect our Second Amendment rights.
- We will Back The Blue
Source: 2022 Missouri Senate campaign website SchatzForSenate.com
Apr 4, 2022
Eric Greitens:
Defend right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms
THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS CLEAR. I believe we must always defend the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.
I am a life member of the NRA and a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment.
Source: 2016 Missouri Governor campaign website EricGreitens.com
Oct 9, 2015
Eric Greitens:
Protect our freedoms, including the Second Amendment
As a conservative outsider, my priorities will be jobs, education and restoring trust in our government. Missourians are desperate for quality jobs because politicians have let them down.
I will enact ethics reform to end the culture of corruption and protect our freedoms - including the Second Amendment. As a Navy SEAL, I know how vital gun rights are to our security.
Source: LWV's Vote411.org on 2016 Missouri Gubernatorial Race
Sep 19, 2016
Eric Schmitt:
Opposed charging couple brandishing guns at BLM protestors
Following form, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has recently capitalized on the McCloskeys' disingenuous turn from terrified personal injury lawyers with a thin understanding of gun safety to righteous defenders of "our civilization."
Spurred by an elevated national profile after he vocally opposed charging the couple for brandishing firearms at innocent people--a crime in the state--Schmitt announced his campaign for Senate.
Source: Jezebel webzine on 2022 Missouri Senate race
Apr 2, 2021
Jason Kander:
Keep restrictions for concealed carry; don't loosen them
HB 668 Firearm Regulation Amendments
Bill Passed House (105 - 50) ; Rep. Jason Kander voted NaySynopsis: Vote to pass a bill that lowers the minimum age for a concealed weapon permit, allows deadly force in instances of private property
protection, and allows concealed firearms in any higher education institution; Highlights:- Lowers the minimum age requirement for obtaining a concealed carry endorsement from 23 years of age to 21 years of age
- Removes the provisions
without a duty to retreat from the property, against a person who unlawfully enters, remains after unlawfully entering, or attempts to unlawfully enter private property
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2009 Missouri voting records
Apr 16, 2009
Jason Kander:
Support 2nd amendment rights AND background checks
I'm Jason Kander [wearing a blindfold and assembling a rifle as he speaks]. Senator Blunt has been attacking me on guns. [Inserts bolt release lever and then bolt carrier].
Well, in the army, I learned to use and respect my rifle. In Afghanistan,
I volunteered to be an extra gun in a convoy of unarmored SUVs. And in the state legislature I supported Second Amendment rights. [Attaches receiver to barrel assembly].
I also believe in background checks so the terrorists get their hands on one of these [assembling last piece into place and removing blindfold]. I approve this message [extends shoulder stock and locks it into place with a loud click]
because I'd like to see Senator Blunt do this.
[Removes blindfold and holds fully-assembled rifle.] [Text: Jason Kander for U.S. Senate]
Source: AdWatch on 2016 Missouri Senate race
Oct 5, 2016
Josh Hawley:
Stronger gun control background checks; ban bump stocks
President Trump's effort to ban bump stocks has the support of Josh Hawley, Missouri's attorney general and a Republican running for U.S. Senate against the Democratic incumbent, Sen. Claire McCaskill. Hawley, speaking to reporters
after formally filing paperwork to run for Senate, fielded multiple questions about firearms in America. He said he supports some gun-control measures, such as improving the background check system used by weapons dealers with federal firearms licenses.
Source: Springfield News-Leader on 2018 Missouri Senate race
Feb 27, 2018
Josh Hawley:
Supports background checks but not assault rifle ban
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Josh Hawley (R): Supports background checks, banning bump stocks, but not assault rifles.
Claire McCaskill (D): Yes. Supports Second Amendment, but supports background checks, closing gun show loophole, assault rifle ban.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Lester Turilli:
Constitution is clear, so just encourage responsibility
Encourage responsibility in gun usage, along with education. The Constitution is clear in allowing Americans the right to bear arms. I am a gun owner and use firearms in hunting. Understanding and familiarity of firearms is key to safety. Hunter safety
courses provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation have been an excellent instructional program for gun safety for new and old hunters.Education on guns, ammunition, and laws are helpful in reducing accidents and promoting responsibility.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Missouri candidacy by OnTheIssues
Apr 25, 2016
Mike Parson:
For 2nd Amendment rights; keep federal government at bay
Mike Parson is a tireless supporter of our Second Amendment rights and has voted not only to expand the
Castle Doctrine, but also to protect our rights from being infringed upon by an overzealous federal government.
Source: 2018 Missouri Gubernatorial campaign website MikeParson.com
Sep 18, 2018
Mike Parson:
Doesn't have a problem with background checks
Parson said he was a strong proponent of the Second Amendment. "You have to be careful that you are not taking their rights away, but I think we need to look at all things," Parson said. "Whether that means more law enforcement on the ground,
whether that means the mental health side of it, whether that means social media today--yeah, I think (those who express the will to harm) should be flagged sometimes." He said he "doesn't have a problem" with more robust background checks.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial debate
Aug 15, 2019
Mike Parson:
Fight violent crime but protect Second Amendment rights
This year, we must take a renewed look at public safety and how best to fight violent crime. We must continue to support our law enforcement professionals who put their lives on the line to protect our families.
We can do this by ensuring consistent requirements and appropriate penalties to hold violent criminals accountable. While also protecting Missourian's second amendment rights, just as our administration has always done.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 19, 2022
Nancy Farmer:
Supports assault weapon ban and other restrictions
Principles which Farmer supports regarding guns: - Support expanding the nationwide federal ban on the public sale of assault weapons to include all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
-
Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
- Maintain all state registration procedures and state restrictions on possessing firearms.
Source: 1996 Missouri National Political Awareness Test
Jul 2, 1996
Nicole Galloway:
Current governor problem in enacting gun laws
"St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City are all in the top 12 most dangerous cities in the nation. In Virginia Beach, when there was a shooting, and 12 people lost their lives, the governor and legislature went back into session and immediately debated
common-sense gun safety laws," says Galloway. "Twelve kids have died in St. Louis and (the governor) says it's not his problem and he needs to stay in his lane. If helping families is not in his lane, then he needs to get out of the way."
Source: Fox-2-Now on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race
May 17, 2019
Nicole Galloway:
Favors background checks & red flag laws
Galloway told reporters she favors gun safety measures that have bipartisan support at the national level like universal background checks and closure of gun-purchase loopholes. She also endorsed "red flag" laws, which allow courts to temporarily remove
firearms from their owners if they express interest in harming themselves or others. "There are things that can be done to make our communities safer and we should not shy away from that," Galloway said.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial debate
Aug 15, 2019
Nicole Galloway:
Supports background checks, close loopholes on sales
On guns, Galloway says, she supports universal background checks and the closure of loopholes on the private sale of firearms. "The majority of Missourians agree with me," she claims.
According to the 2018 Cooperative Congressional Election Study, approximately 90 percent of Missourians do support "background checks for all sales, including at gun shows and over the internet."
Source: St. Louis Magazine on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race
Feb 8, 2020
Peter Kinder:
Led fight to pass right to carry law
Peter led Missouri Republicans in the fight to pass right to carry,
and he holds the NRA's highest A+ rating.
Source: 2016 Missouri Gubernatorial campaign website PeterKinder.com
Sep 9, 2015
Tony Monetti:
Gun ownership is a guaranteed right
I am committed to upholding safe and responsible gun ownership. The Constitution guarantees the right to keep and bear arms. Legal gun ownership is a right guaranteed to all responsible citizens and should not be infringed.
One way to secure and protect the 2nd Amendment is to work towards the support of Constitutional Originalists to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website MonettiForSenate.com
Oct 15, 2017
Lucas Kunce:
Raise the age limit to purchase a gun from 18 to 21
While he said he would have voted for a legislative package that increased funding for red flag laws and mental health programs, Kunce said
Congress needs to go further when it comes to restricting firearms. Pointing to his experience in the military, Kunce said he supports raising the age limit to purchase a gun from 18 to 21.
Source: KCUR on 2024 Missouri Senate race
Jul 9, 2022
Bill Eigel:
2nd amendment protects us from tyrannical government
[On the 2nd Amendment]: "Shall NOT Be Infringed" is straightforward. The government shall not prevent lawful citizens from owning/obtaining firearms. Bill Eigel voted for The Second Amendment Preservation Act. He supports
Castle Doctrine, constitutional carry, the intrinsic right to defend one's life and property, and the idea that the 2nd Amendment was written to articulate our right to protect ourselves from tyrannical government, not just hunting and self-defense.
Source: 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial campaign website BillEigel.com
May 24, 2023
Jay Ashcroft:
The idea that guns are responsible for deaths is ridiculous
The Show also talked with Ashcroft about how he would address gun violence, especially when children are victims of it. A 2022 study from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that firearms are the number one cause of death for children.
Ashcroft said he didn't agree with that fact. "Guns do not kill people, people kill people," he said. "The idea that an inanimate object, a gun, is going around killing people is ridiculous." He said the issue is that our society is "devaluing life."
Source: KMOX 1120 AM on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Apr 14, 2023
Crystal Quade:
Not anti-gun but huge proponent of background checks
Quade said she would have voted to sustain Gov. Jay Nixon's veto of a bill that changed Missouri's gun laws but stressed that she wasn't anti-gun. "When it comes to guns, I am a very moderate Democrat compared to most of my colleagues,"
she said. "I grew up eating deer and all those things. ... I grew up with loaded guns on the wall. "I am a huge proponent of families being able to protect themselves, feed their family, all those things. I am also a huge proponent of background checks."
Source: Springfield News-Leader on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Oct 30, 2016
Jay Ashcroft:
Doesn't see a problem with walking down street with an AR 15
Ashcroft spoke on The Record with Mark Maxwell. "This is not something where more laws will solve the problem. They were violating laws already," he said. Ashcroft called the weekend shooting "horrendous" but said more state laws aren't the
answer. "Should you be able to walk down the streets of St. Louis with an AR 15?" Maxwell asked. "I don't see why it's a problem…The AR 15, the long gun, whatever it is, isn't the problem. The problem we have is with individuals," Ashcroft responded.
Source: KSDK News on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Mar 2, 2023
Josh Hawley:
Oppose undermining the Second Amendment's protections
Gun Laws: Loosen or tighten gun regulation?- Josh Hawley (R): Loosen. "Will oppose all attempts to undermine the Second Amendment's protections." Opposed a bipartisan gun safety bill with enhanced background checks for
minors and support for "red flag" laws.
- Lucas Kunce (D): Tighten. Supports "red flag" laws and expanded background checks, and raising the minimum age for gun purchases to 21.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Missouri Senate race
Oct 25, 2024
Lucas Kunce:
Support red flag laws and background checks
Gun Laws: Loosen or tighten gun regulation?- Josh Hawley (R): Loosen. Opposed a bipartisan gun safety bill with enhanced background checks for minors and support for "red flag" laws.
-
Lucas Kunce (D): Tighten. Supports "red flag" laws and expanded background checks, and raising the minimum age for gun purchases to 21. "We need things that keep the weapons out of people who are going to be unsafe."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Missouri Senate race
Oct 25, 2024
Crystal Quade:
Allow local governments to set regulations on firearms
On guns, Quade said she supports local governments having more authority to set regulations on firearms. Quade drew a contrast between the need for guns in rural areas of the state and the situation in large metro areas. "Of course what's going on in
Webster County where I grew up is different than what's going on in inner city St. Louis," Quade said. Kehoe responded that Second Amendment rights are one of the "most fundamental" rights that American citizens enjoy.
He referred to his upbringing in St. Louis, where he said gang members didn't go to stores to buy guns. "Every time we put more restrictions on a citizen's
Second Amendment rights, we actually hurt the citizens who are trying to do this law-abiding and legally," Kehoe said.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial debate
Sep 20, 2024
Mike Kehoe:
Restricting gun rights hurts law-abiding citizens
On guns, Quade said she supports local governments having more authority to set regulations on firearms. Quade drew a contrast between the need for guns in rural areas of the state and the situation in large metro areas. "Of course what's going on in
Webster County where I grew up is different than what's going on in inner city St. Louis," Quade said. Kehoe responded that Second Amendment rights are one of the "most fundamental" rights that American citizens enjoy.
He referred to his upbringing in St. Louis, where he said gang members didn't go to stores to buy guns. "Every time we put more restrictions on a citizen's
Second Amendment rights, we actually hurt the citizens who are trying to do this law-abiding and legally," Kehoe said.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial debate
Sep 20, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026