CAMPAIGN 2006: Rhode Island Democrats Speak Out

Would you vote for a Democratic candidate in the state primary without knowing where that candidate stands on health care?  The deficit?  Iraq?  The response to Hurricane Katrina?  Or your right to keep and bear arms?

Amendment II Democrats asked your Rhode Island Democratic candidates, and they're responding.  Don't go to the polls without learning where your candidates stand on the Second Amendment.  This section will expand as more candidates respond, so check back often!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Rhode Island's Primary Election is on Tuesday, September 12, 2006.  Don't forget to vote!

QUESTION 1: Which, in your opinion, should assume the predominant role in enacting legislation governing the possession and use of firearms by law-abiding citizens?

QUESTION 1	Federal Government	States	Equal Responsibility
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler			X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Guiding principles of Constitution are upheld and changed at federal level. The unique circumstances of states, such as fishing and gaming, should be provided for under state law. (i.e., Automatic weapons in NV, might not apply in NY).

QUESTION 2: If elected, would you support legislation establishing a mandatory firearms safety class, including classroom assignments and an accuracy test on an appropriate firing range, for all prospective gun owners in the United States?

QUESTION 2	Yes	No	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler	X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: As may be consistent with existing federal or state laws.

QUESTION 3: If elected, would you support legislation that would restrict or ban sales of semi-automatic firearms to law-abiding citizens?

QUESTION 3	Yes	No	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler		X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Would support existing federal laws.

QUESTION 4: If elected, would you support legislation requiring law-abiding citizens to obtain a Federal permit in order to own a firearm?

QUESTION 4	Yes	No	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler		X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Support existing state laws unless state laws do not require a permit, which may then be covered by provisions of the Patriot Act (federal).

QUESTION 5: Pertaining to the Federal permit mentioned in Question 4, what firearms should be covered under such a permit? (Multiple selections are permitted)

QUESTION 5	No Federal permit	All handguns	All rifles and shotguns	Semi-automatics only	Certain calibers only	All firearms
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler	X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: "Certain calibers only" depends on definition of firearm, i.e. grenade launcher.

QUESTION 6: If elected, would you support legislation that would outlaw private ownership of .50-caliber rifles?

QUESTION 6	Yes	No	Restrict to NFA	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler		X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Some black powder firearms are 50-caliber. If states have training and restriction provisions to eliminate over flight life endangering risks.

QUESTION 7: In your opinion, how do you feel about the current level of Federal legislation protecting citizens from unscrupulous, unsafe, and/or irresponsible firearms manufacturers?

QUESTION 7	We need more	We need less	It's just right	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler			X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: No known changes needed to restrict firearms ownership rights. Use and safe guard should be at state level.

QUESTION 8: In your opinion, how do you feel about the current level of Federal legislation protecting children from gun-related violence in public schools?

QUESTION 8	We need more	We need less	It's just right	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler			X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: No known changes needed to restrict firearms ownership rights. Use and safe guard should be at state level.

QUESTION 9: What is your personal opinion about proposed "shoot first" laws like the one enacted in the State of Florida in 2005?

QUESTION 9	They increase crime	They decrease crime	No effect	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler			X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Beyond purview of federal laws.

QUESTION 10: Provided that the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) is preserved in its entirety, if elected, would you support lifting Federal bans on the manufacture of NFA firearms (machine guns, revolving cylinder shotguns, etc.) for the civilian market, and would you support lifting Federal bans on sales of NFA firearms to law-abiding citizens who meet the stringent requirements of the NFA?

QUESTION 10	Yes	No	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler			X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Support existing balance of federal laws.

QUESTION 11: Are you in favor of Federal legislation that prohibits individuals who are convicted of domestic violence (including misdemeanor charges) from possessing firearms?

QUESTION 11	Yes	No	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler			X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Laws should be more clearly written and should be made and enforced at state level.

QUESTION 12: Are you in favor of Federal legislation that prohibits individuals who are charged with domestic violence (including misdemeanor charges) from possessing firearms unless or until they are found not guilty in a court of law?

QUESTION 12	Yes	No	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler			X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Laws should be more clearly written and should be made and enforced at state level.

QUESTION 13: Are you in favor of Federal legislation that prohibits individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor possession of illegal drugs from possessing firearms?

QUESTION 13	Yes	No	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler		X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Laws should be more clearly written and should be made and enforced at state level.

QUESTION 14: Are you in favor of Federal legislation that prohibits individuals who have been charged with misdemeanor possession of illegal drugs from possessing firearms unless or until they are found not guilty in a court of law?

QUESTION 14	Yes	No	Undecided
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler		X

COMMENTS
Carl Sheeler: Laws should be more clearly written and should be made and enforced at state level.

QUESTION 15 (Last question): In your opinion, did the Founding Fathers intend the Second Amendment to guarantee an individual right to bear arms or a collective right (National Guard, state militias, etc.), or both?

QUESTION 15	Individual right	Collective right	Both
(RI-SENATE) Carl Sheeler			X

COMMENTS
None to report.