BISMARCK, ND – North Dakota state leaders are calling into question some recent movements by Sen. Barack Obama to appear in greater favor of gun owner rights. State Representatives Al Carlson and Todd Porter have taken issue with the Democrat’s position.
“Sen. Obama is simply posturing to save face after his recent gaff attacking Second Amendment supporters. North Dakotans understand the great need for the Second Amendment, and is why I ask North Dakota Democrats to examine if Obama truly has the judgment to be Commander-In-Chief,” said Carlson.
Obama had recently made the statement saying that "they cling to guns and religion, and antipathy towards people that aren't like us" as a result of our "bitterness” referring to rural America.
Rep. Todd Porter has been a leader in the North Dakota House on gun owner rights. He has brought about legislation to ensure that homeowners can defend their homes and families without threat of lawsuit by criminals.
“It saddens me,” states Porter. “The thought that the work of the North Dakota legislature would be overturned by an out-of-state politician, such as Obama, really puts a blow to the Constitution and the Federal process.”
OBAMA HAS A LONG ANTI-GUN RECORD
OBAMA WANTS TO BAN MANY TYPES OF FIREARMS
Obama Has Come Out In Support Of Banning Handguns, Hunting Firearms And So-Called “Assault Weapons”:
In Response To A 1996 Independent Voters Of Illinois Questionnaire, Obama Indicated That He Supported Banning The “Manufacture, Sale And Possession Of Handguns.” Question: “Do you support state legislation to … ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns?” Obama’s Response: “Yes.” (Independent Voters Of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization 1996 General Candidate Questionnaire, Barack Obama Responses, 9/9/96)
• During 4/16 Dem. Debate, Obama Falsely Claimed His Handwriting Did Not Appear On Questionnaire. “Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., maintained at Wednesday’s ABC News debate in Philadelphia that his handwriting does not appear on a 1996 questionnaire stating support for a ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of handguns. The Democratic presidential frontrunner made this claim even though a copy of the original document suggests otherwise. … When asked about the gun questionnaire with the handwriting on it, Obama adviser Robert Gibbs did not dispute that the writing was Obama’s.” (Teddy Davis and Talal Al-Khatib, “Obama Forgets Writing On Gun Questionnaire,” ABC News’ “Political Radar” Blog, www.abcnews.com, 4/16/08)
Scholar John Lott Recalls Obama Stating: “I Don’t Believe That People Should Be Able To Own Guns.” John Lott: “In fact, I knew Obama during the mid-1990s, and his answers to IVI’s question on guns fit well with the Obama that I knew. Indeed, the first time I introduced myself to him he said ‘Oh, you are the gun guy.’ I responded ‘Yes, I guess so.’ He simply responded that ‘I don’t believe that people should be able to own guns.’” (John R. Lott, Jr., “Obama And Guns: Two Different Views,” Fox News, www.foxnews.com, 4/7/08)
Obama Supported Banning “The Sale Or Transfer Of All Forms Of Semi-Automatic Weapons.” According to his responses to an Illinois State Legislative Election 1998 National Political Awareness Test, Obama pledged to “Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.” (Project Vote Smart Website, www.votesmart.org, Accessed 3/5/08)
In 2003, Obama Voted In Support Of Legislation That “Would Have Banned Most Of The Privately Held Hunting Shotguns, Target Rifles, And Black Powder Rifles” In Illinois. “[I]n 2003, Obama voted in support of SB1195, which, if passed, would have banned most of the privately held hunting shotguns, target rifles, and black powder rifles in the state. If the ban was enacted, law enforcement officials would have been authorized to forcibly enter private homes to confiscate newly banned firearms.” (Illinois State Rifle Association, “ISRA Blasts Candidate Obama On His Record Of Hostility Toward Law-Abiding Firearm Owners,” Press Release, 8/24/04)
In A 2004 Candidate Questionnaire, Obama Supported Banning So-Called “Assault Weapons.” Question: “Do you support legislation to ban the manufacture, sale and possession of … assault weapons?” Obama’s Response: “Yes.” (Lynn Sweet, “Obama’s 2003 IVI-IPO Questionnaire May Be Getting Closer Scrutiny,” Chicago Sun-Times’ “The Scoop From Washington” Blog, http://blogs.suntimes.com, 12/11/07)
OBAMA HAS TAKEN A NUMBER OF ANTI-GUN POSITIONS
Obama Has Received “F” Ratings From The National Rifle Association:
In 2004, 2002 And 1998, Obama Received “F” Ratings From The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund. The NRA has given Obama 3 “F’s.” (National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Website, www.nrapvf.org, Accessed 1/8/08; National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Website, www.nrapvf.org, Accessed 1/8/08; 1998 Illinois National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Political Preference Chart, p.2)
Obama Has A Long Anti-Gun Record:
Obama Wants To Turn Law-Abiding Gun Owners Who Are Victims Of Theft Into Felons. “Obama is proposing to make it a felony for a gun owner whose firearm was stolen from his residence which causes harm to another person if that weapon was not securely stored in that home.” (Chinta Strausberg, “Obama Unveils Federal Gun Bill,” Chicago Defender, 12/13/99)
In 2004, Obama Voted Against Self-Defense Rights. “[Obama] opposed letting people use a self-defense argument if charged with violating local handgun bans by using weapons in their homes. The bill was a reaction to a Chicago-area man who, after shooting an intruder, was charged with a handgun violation.” (“Obama Record May Be Gold Mine For Critics,” The Associated Press, 1/17/07)
Obama Pressed To Require Gun Owners To Supply Photos And Fingerprints To State Officials. “Sen. Barack Obama of Chicago called the Democrats’ proposed crackdown ‘not only constitutional, but eminently reasonable.’ … The proposals would: … Make gun owners apply in person for Firearm Owner Identification cards and supply their photos and fingerprints.” (Sean Noble, “Senate Democrats’ Proposals Take Aim At Weapons Control,” The [Springfield, IL] State Journal-Register, 2/15/01)
Running For The U.S. Senate In 2004, Obama Advocated National Gun-Control Legislation. “On the issue of prohibiting citizens from carrying concealed weapons, Obama said he believes national legislation should be passed to ‘prevent other states’ laws [allowing citizens to conceal their guns] from threatening the safety of Illinois residents.’” (John Chase, “Keyes, Obama Are Far Apart On Guns,” Chicago Tribune, 9/15/04)
Obama Has Expressed His Opposition To Concealed Carry. Obama: “I mean, I am consistently on record and will continue to be on record as opposing concealed carry.” (David Mendell, “Obama Has Center In His Sights,” Chicago Tribune, 4/27/04)
In 2001, Obama Voted Against A Bill To Allow Individuals To Carry A Concealed Weapon When They Have A Valid Order Of Protection Out Against Another Person. (S.B. 604, Senate Floor Third Reading, Failed, 29-27-0, 4/4/01, Obama Voted Nay)
Obama Believes The DC Gun Ban Is Constitutional. “Obama believes the D.C. handgun law is constitutional.” (James Oliphant and Michael J. Higgins, “Court To Hear Gun Case,” Chicago Tribune, 11/20/07)
In 2005, Obama Voted Twice To Hold Manufacturers, Distributors, Dealers And Importers Of Firearms And Ammunition Liable For The Acts Of Criminals. (S. 397, CQ Vote #206: Motion Agreed To 66-32: R 53-1; D 13-30; I 0-1, 7/26/05, Obama Voted Nay; S. 397, CQ Vote #219: Passed 65-31: R 50-2; D 14-29; I 1-0, 7/29/05, Obama Voted Nay)
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