Campaigning for the Senate four years ago, former Virginia Gov. George Allen stated he favored keeping in place the federal semi-auto ban, saying his goal in "fighting criminals was to enforce, not repeal, existing laws."
After studying the issue, Sen. Allen came to the conclusion that: "The simple fact is the Assault Weapons Ban only attacks the cosmetic features of a gun, banning some guns even though they function exactly the same as hundreds of other semi-automatic firearms."
He noted that, "In Virginia we have seen that incarcerating violent felons is the best crime reduction policy. I still believe our focus should be on criminals, not guns, and it should be on programs that work, like Project Exile and the Abolition of Parole."
Yes, I read it. When I tried to talk to Allen about it to clarify something he had said then, his campaign manager Chris Lacavitas (sp) said that Allen supported the ban, renewal of the ban, and strengthening of the ban. Allen confirmed this moments later. He reversed only when word of a possible challange from Warner reached him.
I have no problems supporting Allen if he does something proactive on the gun issue. If he doesn't, I won't waste my time doing the things for him like I did for Bush this year.
Mike