Posted on 06/10/2005 11:20:24 AM PDT by neverdem
When it comes to guns, both Sean Connaughton and Bill Bolling received high marks from the Virginia Citizens Defense League, but there are several key differences between the two candidates for lieutenant governor.
Both Republicans checked the anti-gun control option for most of the 13 questions. The dispute is in the three questions they answered differently.
Question 3 asked whether the candidates favor repealing laws that allow localities to fingerprint applicants for concealed handgun permits.
Bolling answered yes, in favor of repeal and Connaughton answered no.
"I'm a strong supporter of the right to bear arms," Connaughton said, noting that he owns several guns. "Part of that, though, is to ensure that we keep guns out of the hands of criminals."
The next question asked whether each candidate would vote to allow gun owners to bring weapons onto school property, provided they have concealed weapons permits. Current state and federal law allows only law enforcement officers to bring guns to school.
Bolling answered yes, supporting a repeal of those laws, while Connaughton answered no.
"Given what happened at Bull Run Middle School last year, I obviously don't support anyone other than law enforcement officers carrying weapons on school property," Connaughton said.
Last spring, a seventh-grader brought a shotgun to school and left it in his mother's car. His mother, a cafeteria worker, found the gun but did not report it or remove it. The boy later returned to the car and retrieved the weapon. He held several people hostage in the school office before being disarmed by police.
Question 8 asked candidates to support a law requiring all second- through fourth-graders to receive the NRA's Eddie Eagle gun safety program.
Bolling said he would support such a requirement, while Connaughton said he would not.
The VCDL did not make overt endorsements, but the National Rifle Association did, offering a written endorsement of Bolling.
Bolling said Tuesday that he believes the NRA's backing will help his campaign.
"The NRA has over 90,000 members in Virginia. Their support could be very helpful to us in turning out conservative votes on election day," he said.
The VCDL survey can be viewed online at http://www.vcdl.org .
Pubbies and dems have separate primaries on the same day. "In Virginia, voters do not register by party."
bump
The AG race is interesting at this point. McDonnell rates a B- from the NRA. Baril is portraying himself as pro-gun, but he's never held elected office so we don't know if he'll hold true to his campaign promises.
Amen. And while Bolling has a 100% rating from the conservative Family Foundation, I understand the the liberal Washington Post just endorsed his opponent, Connaughton...along with all the Democrats.
And the VEA teachers union has endorsed Connaughton.
Sounds like the left is really behind him.....and 2 GREAT reasons I will vote for Bolling for Lt. Gov. on Tuesday!
Notice that gun grabbers always start off with this type of praise.
I know Bob McDonnell a little. He's solid pro-gun. The problem is when he first went into office he voted more neutral on a gun issue (I don't even remember which). I understand he has regretted that vote.
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