Three days a week, The Associated Press asks the presidential candidates
a question on the issues. Today's question and the responses:
Guns
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:
Gary Bauer: ''Yes.''
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.''
