Patrick Murphy on Gun Control Democrat

Expand background checks; bar people on watch lists

Murphy: Yes. Expand background checks and bar people on watch lists.

Rubio: No. "Gun laws are not effective."

No civilian access to military-style assault weapons

Patrick E. Murphy: Along with most Floridians, I support background checks for online, gun show, and private gun purchases. I am strongly in favor of closing the terrorist gun loophole and preventing suspected terrorists from purchasing guns. I also do not believe that civilians need access to military-style assault weapons. After the tragic shooting in Orlando, Floridians are crying out for members of Congress to come together on these types of reasonable solutions to prevent this violence. This goes to the fundamental responsibility of elected officials to keep their constituents safe and this will be a top priority for me in the U.S. Senate.

More background checks: close the terrorist gun loophole

"We need somebody who is actually going to show up to work, who acts in the best interest of their community, of their constituents, not some lobby," Murphy said. "Every vote Senator Rubio has taken has proven he is not that senator. I'm calling on Senator Rubio to embrace reason in order to keep us safe from gun violence."

Murphy says he supports legislation that would close the terrorist gun loophole, demand more thorough background checks on those wanting to purchase guns. He also supports banning the sale of assault weapons such as the one Omar Mateen used to gun down more 100 people at Pulse nightclub.

Rubio voted against a measure that would have prevented those on the terror watch list from buying weapons.