2012 Republican Candidate Records on 2nd Amendment Rights

[whalerman]

Thank you, Art. For a minute there I thought I was in Oz.

 

[TexasBill]

Rick Perry: Perry is dead-set against open carry. Perry is also against constitutional carry (i.e., no permit) and has not made any moves to make the CHL process in Texas faster or less intrusive. Perry says he favors campus carry but he didn't push for it when he had numerous opportunities to do so, including adding it to the special session agenda.

Perry talks a good game, but when push comes to shove, Perry isn't as good a friend as he makes himself out to be.

Mitt Romney: Romney was in favor of gun control right up until he decided to run for President. While governor of Massachusetts, he doubled the fees for firearm licenses; he supported and signed the state's ban on 'assault weapons" saying "These guns are not made for recreation or self-defense. They are instruments of destruction with the sole purpose of hunting down and killing people."

The only gun rights he supported were "the rights of those who hunt to responsibly own and use firearms."

Herman Cain: So far, Cain's position is summed up by his statement: "Here's how I'd like that done: Let each state pass a concealed weapon bill. Empower the states--some states already have it--and not have a federal mandate. I believe in the Second Amendment." Okay, so that means the laws in California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C. are fine and dandy. Cain's statement on gun control is not a position, it's passing the buck. BTW: I believe in the Second Amendment, too; there's incontrovertible proof it exists. What I am wondering is if Cain believes in what the Second Amendment says. However, if I was a Republican, I would lean toward Cain, who has great credentials and no real baggage except for one thing: He was diagnosed five years ago with Stage IV cancer of the colon and liver. He says he is in remission, but that's no guarantee: if he gets the nomination, I hope he considers his vice presidential choice very carefully.

 

[Pfletch83]

Ron Paul supports all our rights in the B.O.R.

The second Amendment would be defended in his Administration.

 

[FadingSwordsman]

Another note that Johnson is heavily 2A supportive, as is Paul. Other than Perry and the previous two mentioned, I think you'll get tepid to luke warm support of the 2A, if that. Romney is the most likely, IMO, to be openly or close to openly anti-2A.

We love us our guns down here in the SW. (Except CA... Don't know why that loser state hangs out over here =P)

 

[Sav .250]

The NRA usually posts that type of information in their monthly magazine at some time prior to the elections.

You are a member(NRA) yes?

 

[DT Guy]

On March 30, the 30th anniversary of the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, Jim Brady, who sustained a debilitating head wound in the attack, and his wife, Sarah, came to Capitol Hill to push for a ban on the controversial "large magazines." Brady, for whom the law requiring background checks on handgun purchasers is named, then met with White House press secretary Jay Carney. During the meeting, President Obama dropped in and, according to Sarah Brady, brought up the issue of gun control, "to fill us in that it was very much on his agenda," she said.

"I just want you to know that we are working on it," Brady recalled the president telling them. "We have to go through a few processes, but under the radar."

Read more: http://nation.foxnews.com/guns/2011/05/25/obama-were-working-gun-control-under-radar#ixzz1aqcJkcGK

It's obviously stayed under your radar, AZMJS....


Larry

 

[Leverb66]

So a few have said that Huntsman doesn't have a good 2A track record. He is coming from a very pro-2A state. What has Huntsman said or done regarding 2A issues?

 

[TexasRifleman]

This thread isn't about Obama, it's about the nominees from the other party.

Please help keep this very limited in scope so it can remain open.

If it goes to Party A vs Party B it will be closed.

Thanks!

 

[Balrog]

One is nothing short of a fool if he really believes Obama allowing guns in National Parks was a sign of his support of the 2nd Amendment.

 

[Leverb66]

Well I did find this -
"In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, the host asked, "Governor, let's close with four quick issue sets to get you located on the political map. Would you veto an assault weapons ban?"
"I would not veto an assault weapons ban," said Huntsman.

After the interview, Huntsman's campaign said the former governor "would absolutely" veto a weapons ban, and Huntsman immediately issued a statement to affirm it:

"Hugh, I clearly misunderstood your question regarding the assault weapons ban," Huntsman wrote in an email to Hewitt. "I would absolutely veto the ban. I have always stood firmly for 2nd Amendment rights, and my record in Utah reflects it. With a name like 'Huntsman' it really goes without saying."

Source: ABC News report on Hugh Hewitt interview Jun 17, 2011 "

http://www.ontheissues.org/governor/Jon_Huntsman_Gun_Control.htm

Seems a bit wishy washy.

 

[Art Eatman]

TexasBill and others who may be concerned about Cain and colon cancer:

If you catch it before it gets to the liver and into lymph glands, it's about the easiest to safely deal with. I went through the whole deal in late 2003, almost eight full years ago when I was a mere lad of 69 years. I was back on my backhoe six weeks later.

 

[azmjs]

Huntsman I could be comfortable with running the country I think.

Who in the public eye has never been got with a gotcha question by some television/radio snake?

For many candidates, no matter how good or bad they are on the second-amendment, it would be impossible to support them for other reasons related to the overall vital interests of our country.

 

[rori]

Henchman, good call on Romney, he is very anti gun and I would never vote for him. Cain is a loose cannon and can't get my vote because we have no idea what his 2nd Amm. position is. To the Obama lovers in the crowd remember that he was calling for gun control due to gun dealers in Arizona selling guns to mexicans all the time knowing that the government he runs was actually selling them and he was using that to try and get our guns. Also remember that he is strongly for giving up our soverenty to the UN so that they can ban all private ownership of our guns. I dont think Ron Paul has a chance but I would be more than happy to vote for Gingrich, hes a very smart and good man that has no love for anti gun legislation. Keep it coming guys this election is probably the most important in our lives. Frank

 

[jcerillo70]

The biggest deal for me living here in New Jersey IS getting back our 2A rights. I formed a organisation to fight for CCW in this state but out of all our states representatives only 4 are pro-gun and only 1 offered to help me obtain a CCW permit.

With our States Election coming up, there;s only so many people we can rally up to make the right decisions. So with great hope i have been following HR 2900 which would allow me to carry in NJ with my FL license.

But in reality to get our 2A rights in order i believe it must come from a higher gov power. Sure we have the SAF lawsuit fighting to fix our "Justifiable need" requirement. but with great hope I need someone like Ron Paul to make things right. After our NJ Election efforts The NJ CCW association will have to go full steam for supporting the best 2A canditate, Who looks like Paul at the moment from what ive read and heard. But who know what will happen, I can only do so much.

 

[Neverwinter]

I prefer to use On The Issues for this kind of information.

On The Issues: Republican Primary listings

 

[22-rimfire]

The link from the OP pretty much sums up my knowledge and preception about where the Republican candidates stand on 2A issues.

When you're voting in the primary, keep in mind that Mitt Romney supported the Brady Ban and said he would sign a similar law if it came across his desk. He signed the Massachusetts "assault weapon" ban. He also supports a 5-day waiting period for handgun purchases.

I do. He is a little too willing to compromise on certain things or has core beliefs relative to law and order. I felt the same way about potential candidate Christie and former candidate Guilliani. These guys are too willing to tweak the current system than make dramatic changes. Our president was not shy about trying to make dramatic changes and we know what his core beliefs are relative to 2A.

Herman Cain is the candidate that I want to learn more about. I believe he is a good man with solid core beliefs about the constitution, liberty, and how to get our country moving again in a positive direction. He has said that gun rights issues should be a state issue within the framework of the US Constitution which is consistant with Ron Paul's core beliefs. I will be waiting for a bit more complete written stance on 2A issues from Mr. Cain. I like the guy and have listened to his radio show as well as his buddy, Neal Boortz.

Cain will likely choose a vice presidential running mate with significant legislative experience and that VP will be an intregal part of what forms his cabinet and close counselors. Look for Newt G for that role. He would make a good president, but I don't know if he could gain the support he needs from the people. But it is still early enough in the campaign season for a lot of things to happen.

 

[hermannr]

Neverwinter: Thanks for the link. I found Cain interesting, even though I am a Ron Paul supporter...Ron Paul absolutely has the most consistant, and best 2A position of any candidate.

However, I saw something Cain has answered that makes him an absolute No-Go in my book...his position on Isreal...when he makes strong absolute statements like an attack on Isreal is an attack on the US...no no, that just shows where his heart is...no thanks. That, combined with no specific 2A support... I am for freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion...or forced support of any religion.

We live and are citizens of the US, NO country should be where it's policies V another country automatically triggers our involvement,

 

[calaverasslim]

They're all a bunch of losers when it comes to gun rights. I wouldn't trust one of them to be progun if and when they get into the white house. Even if they're not politicians now, they will sell their soul to get reelected and if it be at the expense of protecting our 2A rights, well you can kiss those rights goodby.

 

[22-rimfire]

Elect the MAN (or WOMAN) based on what they believe in. As Gibbs said in a recent NCIS episode... Tell me what kind of a man they are (or something to that effect).

 

[Autolycus]

I googled Santorum but did not get any information that I can list here.

As far as candidates in the GOP, I will only vote for Ron Paul. He is the only one who truly supports the 2nd Amendment and the rest of the Constitution.

 

[dfsixstring]

(TexasBill): So far, Cain's position is summed up by his statement: "Here's how I'd like that done: Let each state pass a concealed weapon bill.

On the "surface", what Mr. Cain says "almost" sounds like what most people would want to hear. After all, aren't states losing their "states rights" these days. He "almost" sounds like a constitutionalist - almost, I say. The problem is that his stance is taking away one of our "fundamental" rights. The states should have rights - but there are some things that are God-given rights to citizens of the United States and the 2nd amendment is one of them.

Let me also throw this out there. In my work I deal with people in Europe on a weekly basis. I have had many extensive conversations with these people that have become good friends over the past few years. One common comment that I continually hear from Europe is this: (NOTE: it is said in many ways, but in essence it boils down to this) The governments of the US and Europe have evolved. The US used to have a government that was run "by the people" - not anymore. In Europe, the governments fear the people - in the US, the people fear the government.

I've never forgotten this sentiment because I think it is powerful. We've got to get control of this country before it is too late.

 

[dcarch]

In my opinion, Ron Paul is the strongest candidate for Second Amendment rights. He may not be the leader in the polls right now, but by golly, he's got my vote. (Anybody see the episode of SNL where someone attempts to kidnap Ron Paul? 'Nuf said.)

 

[Colonel]

Isn't this politics – rather than "legal" – and as such verboten?

 

[TexasRifleman]

Isn't this politics – rather than "legal" – and as such verboten?

Party politics are off limits, such as Party A is better than Party B, as well as ALL political topics that are not directly gun related.

Gun laws are, by their nature, political so there has to be a limited discussion if you are going to have a discussion of gun laws at all.

This very narrow subject, the recorded evidence of the gun control position of some candidates, fits in with the mission of THR. If it strays outside that, it will be gone.

Some posts have been deleted. This isn't about the economy, or other topics. No party stuff, just information directly related to the voting records of candidates.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Seems to be a pretty well documented thread on all the major candidates at this point.

Food for thought as we move into an election year.

Remember, party politics is not on topic for THR. Discussions of individual politicians directly provable stance on gun control only is VERY narrowly on topic. Please keep that in mind if it crosses your mind to start a political thread.