Cornyn supports more checks at gun shows - Charlton Heston campaigns for John Cornyn

The Dallas Morning News ^ | September 22, 2002 | By GROMER JEFFERS Jr. / The Dallas Morning News

[MeekOneGOP]

Cornyn supports more checks at gun shows

Kirk favors enforcing existing laws rather than making new ones

09/22/2002

By GROMER JEFFERS Jr. / The Dallas Morning News

In the race to elect Texas' next senator, it's the moderate Democrat who says unlicensed sellers at gun shows don't need to run background checks on buyers, and the conservative Republican who says a law should be passed to give them more scrutiny.

Republican John Cornyn supports more precautions for dealers at shows, and Democrat Ron Kirk opposes them.

"I believe we need to enforce our current gun laws rather than create new ones," Mr. Kirk said.

Mr. Cornyn, the state attorney general, thinks the checks are necessary.

"They should allow it to be done without delay," he responded.

The candidates were asked their views on guns after appearances Saturday by Charlton Heston at Southfork Ranch and in Longview, where he campaigned for Mr. Cornyn.

Both candidates agree on other issues involving guns.

They both support the state law that allows cities to ban concealed weapons from being carried into parks, hospitals and other public places. A move to keep cities from banning concealed weapons on public property is expected to be a leading gun-related proposal in next year's Texas legislative session.

ON THE ISSUES

Republican John Cornyn and Democrat Ron Kirk, candidates for the Senate:

What is your overall position on the regulation of guns?

Both candidates support the right of citizens to carry guns.

Do you own guns?

Cornyn: Pistol, several rifles and several shotguns

Kirk: Owns a gun

Do you have a state license to carry a concealed handgun?

Cornyn: No. But used a license to go dove hunting recently and didn't hit anything.

Kirk: No.

Should cities be allowed to ban concealed weapons from being carried into public places, such as hospitals, parks and libraries?

Cornyn: Yes. As attorney general, issued an opinion last year stating cities could allow such bans.

Kirk: Supports current law that allows such restrictions

Should unlicensed sellers at gun shows be required to run criminal background checks?

Cornyn: Yes. Should allow it to be done without delay.

Kirk: No - doesn't think new law is needed.

- Gromer Jeffers

The Senate candidates also both own guns, though neither has a state license to carry a concealed weapon.

Mr. Cornyn, who says he likes to hunt, has a collection of riffles, shotguns and a pistol. Mr. Kirk did not specify the type of firearm he owns.

Mr. Heston, who recently disclosed he has symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, is president of the National Riffle Association. The legendary actor said his support of Mr. Cornyn stems from his protection of the personal freedoms enjoyed by Americans.

Mr. Cornyn said he teamed with George W. Bush in 1998, when he was governor, to develop the Texas Exile program, which he said led to more than 1,200 prosecutions for violent offenders who used guns.

But the attorney general said prosecuting criminals does not sour him on the rights of citizens to bear arms.

"I'm proud to support the second amendment rights of Texans and Americans," he said. "People like me and other law abiding citizens are not a threat to the public, so there's no real reason to try to control or otherwise limit law abiding citizens the access firearms for legitimate purposes."

Mr. Kirk has a similar stand.

"I respect the right of sportsmen and law abiding citizens to own guns and would fight to protect these rights in the U.S. Senate," he said.

Gun control advocates want federal legislation that would force unlicensed sellers at gun shows to conduct mandatory criminal background checks.

Mr. Kirk says existing laws are sufficient.

Mr. Cornyn, in contrast, says such checks are needed.

"He's strong on keeping guns out of the hands of people who are not eligible to have them," said Cornyn spokesman Dave Beckwith. "He feels the trade-off is worth it."

The right to own and carry guns was the key topic during Mr. Heston's appearance at Southfork in Parker, east of Plano. In the infamous Oil Baron's ballroom as seen in the show Dallas, Mr. Heston urged the crowd of 150 to support John Cornyn.

Looking frail as he moved slowly to the podium, he waved at the crowd, pausing once to interact with a children's choir. The crowd stood an applauded the man best known for his movie role as Moses in the Ten Commandments for several minutes.

Mr. Heston spoke for less than a minute, but his message was clear.

"John Cornyn defends freedom and the Bill of Rights," he said. "John Cornyn supports President Bush. Texas and American needs John Cornyn."

Mr. Heston ended his speech with a reference to his starring role in the 1959 epic movie Ben-Hur, a role that merited him an Oscar.

"Just remember, you've got to stay on the chariot," he said.

The film's climatic chariot race is considered one of the most riveting action scenes ever captured on film.

Mr. Cornyn said Mr. Heston's visit to the Dallas area stirred his emotions.

"We have new reasons to admire Charlton Heston and his courage," he said. "He is an example of the triumph of the human spirit," he said. "He's still vigorous. He's got a lot to offer and he has very strong principles."

Mr. Cornyn then delivered a line that brought another ovation.

"Just when I thought we couldn't top bringing the president to Texas, we brought Moses to Texas," he said.

After his visit to Southfork, which generated $30,000 for his campaign, Mr. Cornyn visited Longview.

"In East Texas, they refer to gun control as using both hands," he said.

E-mail gjeffers@dallasnews.com

---

Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/tsw/stories/092202dntexcornyn.e6e.html

[ForGod'sSake]

This could effect Cornyn at the voter's booth, this is Texas, we love our gun shows, we love our guns, we don't love D.C.'s meddling.

Preach it sister!!! I'm just curious how any 2nd amendment infringer justifies monitoring, nay, approving the sale of a firearm from one individual to another regardless the location.

FGS

[MissAmericanPie]

You know I want to agree with you, in fact I am desperate to agree with you, but here is the question. Given that the Republican Party puts forth these Rino's to vote for, and given Bush's appointments so far, and his hold overs of Clinton cronies, his protection of Clinton, what assurance do you have that he will appoint anything but Rino's into the judical system?

I look at the man and feel totally betrayed, and I wanted to not only support him but admire him. I wanted on the band wagon, but I feel kicked to the curb. To me he is a betrayer of everything I hold sacred and everything I hope for my country and for the future of my offspring, domestically speaking. So far I support his war on terror outside our borders, I have an eye on his war on terror inside our borders and I think it's pretty much a failure.

I have to ask myself, what kind of message am I sending if I vote Republican? That I agree with the attempts to marginalize my conservatism out of existance? What will happen if he has a Republican congress and senate? Fast Track trade where he dissovles our borders with impunity? Packing the judiciary with men who are not really conservative much less Constitutionalists? Will I send the message that as a conservative I will stay on the farm for Republicans, like minorities do for the Democrats, no matter what they do to destroy me?

To quote a line from "O Brother Where Art Thou" we are in a bad fix. I'm really at a loss as to what to do now. I have never pulled the lever for anyone but Republicans, nor ever dreamed of splitting my ticket. But keeping both parties fighting between themselves and locked in gridlock is begining to look like the only and safest option. Talk about incremental steps falls on my deaf ears, that talk has been going on for years, decades in fact, and yet those steps are always backwards, away from conservatism and towards socialism, even during the highly touted "Republican Revolution".

Neo-Conservatives, what ever that is suppose to mean, liberal lite I suppose, have no problem with the way things are going, I do, and I'm not alone. Honestly, really, I have gone back over my ultra conservative views to see what I can chip away and discard in order to fit in, I think I'm a lost cause, it's those darn principles I can't seem to toss.

[ForGod'sSake]

It's about the judges.

It's about many things, but this has got to be near the top of critical issues. We will be charged with getting the Pubbies lined out once we're able to get a majority to work with. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, If we can get a Pubbie controlled gubmint and the trash STILL doesn't get hauled out, then we're in deep doodoo.

If they haul out the trash, then we can say those are OUR Pubbies; not before. If we can't get OUR Pubbies lined out then we may as well put the Dims back in charge. At least we would get where we're going a lot quicker...

FGS

[MissAmericanPie]

What makes you think I care diddly about what Kirk says? It's what Cornyn says that has my attention. If you think I have no business with a fire arm and your feeling man enough and froggy, come take it, otherwise go spit.

[MeekOneGOP]

The head of the NRA is a gun grabber? Amazing. First I've heard of that.......

Charlton Heston is a senile old fool.....

You did hear he has Alzheimer's, right? That's something he can't help. I believe the article said he did a one minute ditty and that was it. He's doing what he can to help take the Senate back from da$$hole and Leaky Leahy the Obstructionists....

I wish I could do as much.

Here you go, lol....

[MeekOneGOP]

Love that picture!

[solo gringo]

Its very upsetting to read your post.After what this country has gone through for the clinton years,any thing but a commiecrat is an improvement.Step back and take a look we need cornyn not for today but for a long time.I have a democrat for a rep,what a joke he is when i need help i call a pubbie thank god for them.

[lonestar]

I think you better learn more about Ron Kirk. I'll give you a clue--he has to go to NY, Boston and California to raise money.

[lonestar]

What makes you think I care diddly about what Kirk says? It's what Cornyn says that has my attention. If you think I have no business with a fire arm and your feeling man enough and froggy, come take it, otherwise go spit.

You just proved my point!

[RicocheT]

"It's about the judges. I'll hold my nose and vote for Cornyn." - 9 posted on 9/22/02 9:43 AM Central by Kowdawg

kowdawg has it right. Recapture the US Senate and don't nit pick on one of many needed issues. I hate added anti-gun laws and give $ to GOA and NRA. I also realize the present Senate leadership is a danger to all my rights.

[MeekOneGOP]

Sorry. Like I said before, a lot of folks, each with his own list of complaints, are dissatisfied with Bush. I just happen not to be one them.

I just don't see how a conservative voting for Kirk helps promote the conservative cause. I don't think that's what you're saying, btw. But I think that's what some folks feel is what should happen either because Cornyn isn't the perfect conservative that makes all conservatives satisfied or because they are not happy with Bush, etc. I can't think of any one conservative that is perfect, actually. I want President Bush to have every opportunity to have what he needs (GOP Senate) to do what he needs to do. He'll never make the tax cuts permanent with da$$hole at the guillotine. However, like you say, most folks in this country want gridlock because they don't trust any politician. That goes for the Democrats as well as the GOP, btw......

No split ticket for me. I'm voting straight GOP, as I have for years*. Just my personal preference, my 2 cents. Thanks.

PS: *Almost forgot.....and I've fessed up on this one before on FR. I got caught up with Ross Perot in 1992 and voted for him because I despised clintoon and wasn't too impressed with George Bush. So I voted for Perot. I might as well have voted for clintoon. Had Perot not run, Bush would have gotten my vote. I look back and sorely regret that mistake. I'll never do that again. Just fyi.

[MissAmericanPie]

Oh, I respect your choices, don't have a problem with them. But for some of us, this huge leap left the Party has made has us shaken up quite a bit.

It's kind of like waking to the horror that these baby, incremental steps that were suppose to turn the country right have ended up with the greater need being to move the Republican party right. Both formitable tasks, that have frozen some conservatives in their tracks, not willing to move until some light is seen at the end of the tunnel.

The good news is that the Presidential election is still a couple of years away, and alot can happen, hopefully to the good. Just have to try to stay optimistic and hope for the best. As far as this Nov goes, each person has to do what they think is the best course of action as things stand now.

[deport]

---

GO CORNYN GO
VOTE REPUBLICAN NOV. 5, 2002

Take back the Senate
Retain the House

[Dan from Michigan]

Cornyn may have lost the election there.

I'm glad I don't have to vote in that race. I just might have to leave it blank or 3rd it, depending on the situation with Dasshole as majority leader.

At least I have a clear choice voting for Rocky.

[anymouse]

You still believe anything that the "Dallas Morning News" prints? They're pimping for Kirk and will spin anything Cornyn says to make him look bad.

Do you really think Kirk wouldn't vote to take away your second ammendment right? Or think that Cornyn would?

Best solution is to cancel your subscription to the DMN and sleep better at night.

[sneakypete]

The head of the NRA is a gun grabber? Amazing. First I've heard of that....

Then you just haven't been paying attention.

BTW,he was a senile old fool long before he was diagonosed with his illness.

[need_a_screen_name]

Gun control advocates want federal legislation that would force unlicensed sellers at gun shows to conduct mandatory criminal background checks.

Mr. Kirk says existing laws are sufficient.

Mr. Cornyn, in contrast, says such checks are needed."

Sounds like Cornyn needs to be freeped, especially by Texans! You can send him an e-mail by going to the bottom of his website and clicking contact: http://www.johncornyn.com

[TERMINATTOR]

Since the NRA is the premiere gun grabber group, it should come as no suprise Heston is too. What makes them so dangerous is that they pretend to support the Second Amendment.

Molon Labe !

[Shooter 2.5]

Dan, I'm going to e mail the Texas State Rifle Association tomorrow or tonight and I have a funny feeling that Cornyn's position will be changed by the end of the week.

[Shooter 2.5]

OK, I didn't procrastinate. I sent out the e mail and let's see how long his position remains anti-gun.