Bill Richardson on Gun Control
posted in Bill Richardson (D), Candidates, Gun Control, Issues |Original source:
It seems to me that the most gun-friendly candidate from either party at this point is a Democrat, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico. He has consistently received endorsements from the NRA and he is the only candidate for president in 2008 who has publicly stated that he holds a concealed carry permit.
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You have to talk about guns in the context of lifestyle, recreation, a way of life,” the Governor argues, “rather than as just a measure to prevent murders and deaths. Democrats need to move into a void in the West. The Bush Administration is scaring off recreationists, hunters and fishermen because of their extreme anti-environmental policies. It’s important to build alliances with these ranchers and fishermen and broaden the dialogue. The West is becoming more fertile Democratic territory. It’s important for Democrats on the East Coast not to make the gun issue a litmus test.
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The NRA endorsement [of Bill Richardson for governor in 2006], announced Monday at a West Mesa shooting range where hundreds of law enforcement officers from around the world took part in an NRA-sponsored shooting championship, wasn’t the first time Richardson has garnered the group’s backing.
“He’s been a pretty solid guy on the gun issue,” Van Horn, a member of the NRA’s board of directors, said.
