Ted Strickland on Gun Control Democratic Governor; previously Representative (OH-6)

Supports background checks; close terror watchlist loophole

Strickland: Like many Americans, I have been deeply troubled and saddened by the escalation of violence in our country--we must do more to keep weapons out of the hands of those who would do harm. We should be implementing commonsense and effective ideas to reduce gun violence, like ensuring background checks are conducted on all gun sales and closing the loophole allowing those on the terror watch list to buy guns. I believe these proposals are consistent with our Second Amendment rights and are the most effective ways to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and those with legitimate mental illnesses. Unfortunately, Senator Portman voted against both of these proposals. I also support passage of the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act so that gun manufacturers can no longer hide behind a legal shield that gives them protections from liability enjoyed by virtually no other industry.

2010: Pro-gun & NRA endorsed; 2016: end gun epidemic

OpEd: Worked for anti-gun group, but never renounced NRA

"Gun safety is absolutely a top issue. Still waiting on Ted Strickland & Rob Portman to renounce their NRA support," Sittenfeld wrote on Twitter.

Strickland received an A+ rating from the NRA during his failed 2010 re-election campaign against John Kasich. "Our members will interpret your 'A+' rating and endorsement as an indication that you are a pro-Second Amendment, pro-hunting candidate who supports sportsmen and gun-owners on every issue," the chair of the NRA's Political Victory Fund wrote to Strickland in a letter at the time.

Though Strickland went on to work for the Center for American Progress, which is decidedly anti-gun, he has yet to, as Sittenfeld stated, "renounce" his pro-gun voting record in Congress.

Against ban on semi-automatic rifles; for concealed carry

Repeal restrictions on law-abiding citizens owning firearms

Indicate which principles you support concerning gun issues.
• Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms.

Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record.

While widely recognized today as a major political force and as America`s foremost defender of Second Amendment rights, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has, since its inception, been the premier firearms education organization in the world. But our successes would not be possible without the tireless efforts and countless hours of service our nearly three million members have given to champion Second Amendment rights and support NRA programs.

The following ratings are based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionaire sent to all Congressional candidates; the NRA assigned a letter grade (with A+ being the highest and F being the lowest).

Opposes restrictions on the right to bear arms.

The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.

The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Further restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms"