Candidates on the issues: GUNS
Candidates on the issues: GUNS
By Associated Press, 1/30/2000 18:38
Three days a week, The Associated Press asks the presidential candidates
a question on the issues. Today's question and the responses:
Do you believe law-abiding citizens should be able to carry concealed
guns?
Democrats:
-
Bill Bradley
We should take all measures necessary to improve gun safety and reduce
gun violence. There may be a few limited circumstances under which some
law-abiding citizens, such as former police officers, could be eligible
for concealed gun permits. But the carrying of concealed handguns generally
increases the likelihood that such weapons will be involved in either crime
or accidents. Concealed weapons should be the exception rather than the
rule.
-
Al Gore
No. We must not loosen the restrictions on concealed weapons. I believe
that, after all the gun violence we have seen, simple common sense dictates
that we must have stricter gun control measures to keep guns out of the
wrong hands, without unnecessarily imposing on the rights of law-abiding
hunters and homeowners.
Reform:
-
Pat Buchanan
No response.
Republicans:
-
George W. Bush
I believe law-abiding citizens who pass rigorous background checks
and a firearm proficiency test should be able to protect themselves and
their families. This decision is best left to individual states. I believe
the federal government should enforce tough laws to keep guns out of the
hands of criminals, juveniles and others who should not have them.
-
Steve Forbes
Yes. I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment rights of all
law-abiding Americans. But those who commit crimes with guns should be
swiftly prosecuted and severely punished.
-
Alan Keyes
Given the proper training and certification in safety and responsibility,
yes.
-
John McCain
Yes. I believe that law-abiding citizens should be able to carry concealed
guns consistent with state law. The Constitution assures the right to bear
arms. We have a duty to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens, while
taking the appropriate steps necessary to keep guns out of the hands of
criminals, children, and the mentally incompetent and to prosecute those
who criminally possess or use a firearm.
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