The Associated Press: on Gun Control
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
Sarah Palin:
Post-Gifford shooting: don't blame GOP & don't restrict guns
Sarah Palin stuck to her guns on guns, in her first major public appearance since Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was critically wounded and six people were killed at a Tucson campaign event. Palin was criticized after the shootings for having published campaign
literature that marked some Democratic districts, including Giffords's, with crosshairs, but she pushed back, saying Republicans were being unfairly blamed for the act of a crazed shooter.Asked if she would support efforts to restrict semiautomatic
weapons or multi-bullet clips, like the clips used in the Tucson shooting, Palin responded, "There are already on the books many gun control measures and I do support those that are on the books. I do not support taking away more freedom from the good
guy. The people who have no intention of using that weapon to harm another person so, no additional gun control measures could be supported." She added, "Prayers should continue for the full recovery of Gabby Giffords and others who were involved."
Source: Associated Press in ABC News, "Palin Rejects New Gun Laws"
Feb 17, 2011
Stephen Pagliuca:
Gun control works in Europe and England
Pagliuca defended himself against a caller who complained about gun control laws. He said he didn't read about a single gun death during the three years he worked in Holland after college, and noted England had far fewer gun deaths
United States. "The only difference is, they have gun control in Europe and England," Pagliuca said.
Source: Associated Press in Boston Herald, "33% capital gains
Nov 11, 2009
Rudy Giuliani:
Gun control reduces urban crime; no effect on hunting
Rudy Giuliani addressed a potentially troublesome issue with conservative voters, saying his policies as mayor to get handguns off the street helped reduce crime in New York. “I used gun control as mayor,” he said at a news conference, “but
I understand the Second Amendment. I understand the right to bear arms.” He said what he did as mayor would have no effect on hunting.
Source: The Associated Press on WHDH.com
Feb 11, 2007
Howard Dean:
Endorsed by NRA eight times as VT governor
John Kerry criticized Dean’s 1992 statement to the National Rifle Association that he opposed any restriction on private ownership of assault weapons. “Howard Dean’s opposition to sensible gun safety measures is indefensible,” Kerry said.
“It explains why he has been endorsed by the NRA eight times. I believe we must put the safety of our children and families ahead of special interests like the NRA.” Dean responded, “I come from a rural state with a very low homicide rate.
We had five homicides one year. It’s a state where hunting is a part of our life. I understand that’s not the traditional Democratic position.“ Dean said ”when you’re running for governor, they ask you what you would do in your state.“
Dean aides said the opposition to restrictions on assault weapons that Dean expressed on the signed 1992 NRA questionnaire applied only to a state ban, defined broadly enough to also apply to shotguns commonly used by hunters in Vermont.
Source: Associated Press in Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Oct 31, 2003
Rick Lazio:
For Brady Bill & trigger locks; no fans at NRA
Lazio does not share Clinton’s unequivocal support for gun licensing or a hate-crimes law that would increase penalties for gay bias attacks. On gun control, Lazio is a strong enough proponent to have earned himself a “D-minus”
from the National Rifle Association. He supports the Brady Bill, assault-weapons ban and trigger locks. But Lazio calls licensing “invasive” and says he hasn’t seen a registration program that’s “workable.”
Source: Associated Press
May 25, 2000
Al Gore:
Agrees with Bush on banning weapons; but wants registration
Where They Agree: Regarding guns, Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore would, if elected president:- Support the current ban on assault weapons.
- Prohibit juveniles from possessing assault weapons.
- Ban imports
of high-capacity ammunition clips.
- Raise the minimum age for possessing a handgun from 18 to 21.
- Require that trigger locks be sold with handguns.
Where They Differ- Bush also would:
- Provide more money
for enforcement of gun laws.
- Support automatic detention for young people who commit crimes with guns.
- Oppose government-mandated registration of guns owned by people who don’t break laws.
- Gore also would:
- Require photo
licensing for handgun purchases.
- Limit gun purchases to one per month and require a three-day waiting period.
- Require manufacturers and federally licensed sellers to report sales to a state authority.
Source: Associated Press in Los Angeles Times
Apr 21, 2000
George W. Bush:
Agrees with Gore on trigger locks;but wants more enforcement
Where They Agree: Regarding guns, Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore would, if elected president:- Support the current ban on assault weapons.
- Prohibit juveniles from possessing assault weapons.
- Ban imports
of high-capacity ammunition clips.
- Raise the minimum age for possessing a handgun from 18 to 21.
- Require that trigger locks be sold with handguns.
Where They Differ- Bush also would:
- Provide more money
for enforcement of gun laws.
- Support automatic detention for young people who commit crimes with guns.
- Oppose government-mandated registration of guns owned by people who don’t break laws.
- Gore also would:
- Require photo
licensing for handgun purchases.
- Limit gun purchases to one per month and require a three-day waiting period.
- Require manufacturers and federally licensed sellers to report sales to a state authority.
Source: Associated Press in Los Angeles Times
Apr 21, 2000
John McCain:
Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks
McCain favors outlawing cheaply made handguns called Saturday night specials, and favors mandating safety locks on certain guns. He said he is intrigued by new technology that electronically identifies a person handling a gun, allowing only the owner to
fire it. McCain rallied Senate Republicans behind a Democratic measure requiring background checks at gun shows.
Source: Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press
Aug 17, 1999
Orrin Hatch:
Trigger locks, gun show restrictions, import restrictions
Hatch was the author of the juvenile crime bill passed by the US Senate in May. Among other things, it would require trigger locks on all new handguns and impose tougher restrictions on sales at gun shows. The measure also would ban import of
high-capacity ammunition clips and any juvenile convicted of a felony would be denied the right to purchase a gun for life.
Source: Associated Press
Aug 13, 1999
Dan Quayle:
Enforce existing gun laws before making new ones
Quayle opposes greater restrictions on the sale and use of guns, saying existing laws must first be more aggressively enforced.
Source: Associated Press
Jul 7, 1999
Kweisi Mfume:
Blacks are disproportionately affected by gun violence
Concerned about the impact of gun-related crimes on black Americans, the N.A.A.C.P. is considering joining cities in lawsuits against gun makers, the association’s president,
Kweisi Mfume, said on Saturday. ‘’We represent a significant constituency that is disproportionately affected by gun violence,’’ Mr. Mfume said
Source: Associated Press in New York Times, Page A14
Feb 22, 1999
Page last updated: Feb 15, 2019