CAMPAIGN 2006: Texas 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 Texas 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.  Thanks to all candidates who have responded so far!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Texas' Primary Election was on Tuesday, March 7, 2006.  Candidates listed below have either won their primary battles or are facing runoff elections.  Thank you for voting!

 

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen			X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd			X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson	X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum			X
(TX-24) Gary Page			X

COMMENTS
Dan Dodd: The Second Amendment is a Federal document, but states should have the right to establish state laws that do not abridge the Second Amendment.
Charlie Thompson: The questions of firearms is a constitutional issue the disposition of which, for the most part, resides at the federal level.
Ted Ankrum: I completely support States rights, but the Country must be secure within our borders, and this is a Federal responsibility. The Federal government's authority over its citizens, within our borders, is limited by the Second Amendment.
Gary Page: The Federal Government has the authority to set the outer boundaries for states to legislate within and the authority to monitor and regulate interstate commerce with respect to weapons trafficking.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen		X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd			X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson	X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum	X
(TX-24) Gary Page	X

COMMENTS
Dan Dodd: It's a good idea, but legislation should be enacted by the states possibly with Federal guidelines.
Charlie Thompson: An unsafe gun-person is a public hazard. Thus, the right to own a gun, under the Second Amendment, is subordinate to government's responsibility to "provide for the public defense."
Ted Ankrum: We do this for automobiles. A firearm is a dangerous device, by design. If we are to have a well-regulated militia, it should be a well-trained militia.
Gary Page: This is no different than requiring a drivers license test to confirm the person's understanding of the laws and proper operation of a vehicle. Same principles apply to weapons, though I don't believe that accuracy is a necessary requisite.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen		X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd		X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson		X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum		X
(TX-24) Gary Page		X

COMMENTS
Dan Dodd: Never!
Charlie Thompson: Personally, I'd feel a whole lot better if law abiding citizens did have automatic weapons. I have a Swiss friend who keeps his "SAW" in his hall closet.
Ted Ankrum: I do not want a country in which only the police and military hold firearms. Look at the assertions the President is making about his executive authority as Commander in Chief. The Declaration of Independence states that a citizenry has the duty to rise in rebellion against an oppressive government. How can that be a meaningful duty without the means?
Gary Page: This is provisional on the confirmation of the criminal record of the potential buyer.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen		X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd		X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson		X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum		X
(TX-24) Gary Page		X

COMMENTS
Dan Dodd: The Second Amendment is our permit.
Ted Ankrum: I support having a law abiding citizen show having received training to a reasonable standard of proficiency (see my comment about driver's licenses) to purchase a firearm. This is not a permit.
Gary Page: Own ... No. Carry ... Yes.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen	X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd	X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson	X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum	X
(TX-24) Gary Page					X

COMMENTS
Dan Dodd: Exceptions: Fully automatic weapons, silencers, explosives, functional artillery weapons.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen		X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd				X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson				X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum		X
(TX-24) Gary Page	X

COMMENTS
Charlie Thompson: When we talk about .50 cal. Weapons we're out of the "firearms" realm and into the light artillery realm which is not protected by the Second Amendment. My decision vis a vis this matter would be based on this fundamental premise.
Ted Ankrum: I support registration of these weapons because they would be the weapon of choice for another "sniper" and it would aid in apprehension. I do not believe that the degree of control required by the current NFA is required, however. The range of this weapon is such that finding a perpetrator will be extraordinarily difficult. This weapon is so much more susceptible to such use that it merits more control, and users should recognize this as a consequence of its ownership. Because of this, I favor registration, and mandatory reporting of sale or transfer, as a law enforcement tool. See my later comments on amendment to the NFA for a further discussion of restrictions I think are appropriate for this category of firearm.
Gary Page: The primary purpose for 50 caliber weapons is for military applications. This is the line to be drawn to provide for the public safety should the weapon be stolen or misused.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen			X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd				X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson				X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum	X
(TX-24) Gary Page	X

COMMENTS
Charlie Thompson: I haven't researched this subject.
Ted Ankrum: It should not be easy to manufacture weapons that have little sporting or hunting value. "Saturday night specials" do not serve the interests of responsible gun owners, and stopping the manufacture and importation of firearms that fall in this category is in their interests.
Gary Page: The Gun Lobby has managed to make gun manufacturers and abusive owners less accountable. There is a standard of fairness which should be applied exclusive of the special interests.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen				X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd			X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson				X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum				X
(TX-24) Gary Page	X

COMMENTS
Charlie Thompson: This needs to be addressed at the state and local level, not by the feds. When research this issue I will base decisions on this fundamental attitude.
Ted Ankrum: It is not possible to legislate against insane people. I am open to any good ideas on this topic.
Gary Page: Schools should be able to undergo the same level of security as necessary in our airports and other mass transit systems. This would require a higher level of funding and political will.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen				X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd			X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson	X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum		X
(TX-24) Gary Page				X

COMMENTS
Charlie Thompson: I believe we'll see an increase in manslaughter type crimes. I believe that violent, potentially deadly, force should be the last resort under any circumstances, including military confrontations.
Ted Ankrum: I agree with the notion that if criminals know that their prospective victims can shoot them with no legal consequences, and may actually have a gun with which to do so, crime will decrease.
Gary Page: My general impression is that this statute makes for a more stressful environment, replacing a sense of community with a sense of fear and dread. If this reduces crime, it is at too high a price to society as a whole.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen		X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd			X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson	X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum	X
(TX-24) Gary Page			X

COMMENTS
Ted Ankrum: I have not noticed any incidence of crimes being committed with current NFA weapons. I would support this, but only if there were stringent penalties applied to people owning such weapons who lose them, or have them stolen from a storage place that does not meet stringent federal standards. I would also require periodic inspection by ATF agents of the continued custody and storage facility. I would also require that manufacturers or importers be required to maintain a perpetual database of the ballistics characteristics of every weapon manufactured for access by law enforcement agencies. I would add .50 caliber weapons to this NFA regime.
Gary Page: Need more information on the provisions of the NFA with respect to the more lethal firepower available with new technology.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen			X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd		X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson	X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum	X
(TX-24) Gary Page	X

COMMENTS
Dan Dodd: State issue
Charlie Thompson: I disapprove of legislation that prohibits possession of firearms to any except minors, the mentally challenged, and violent criminals. Regarding the latter, numerous arrests sans conviction also are criteria for "criminal" designation as well as convictions for violent crimes.
Ted Ankrum: Ownership of a firearm is a public trust. The Constitution allows "regulation", and I think that this is a valid form of regulation.
Gary Page: Previously established violent behavior should be a red flag for lawful possession of firearms.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen		X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd		X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson		X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum	X
(TX-24) Gary Page	X

COMMENTS
Charlie Thompson: In the United States a person is still considered innocent until convicted.
Ted Ankrum: This is a form of regulation that serves an appropriate public purpose. While a charge is not a conviction, I believe that this is a case of better safe than sorry.
Gary Page: I support removing the restriction on a verdict of "Not Guilty" and following having fully paid their debt to society. Restoration of rights is necessary for lowering the recidivism rate.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen			X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd		X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson		X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum	X
(TX-24) Gary Page	X

COMMENTS
Charlie Thompson: Misdemeanor possession of drugs (usually marijuana) are not a violent crimes. I would, however, prohibit possession of firearms to anyone possessing methamphetamine, if any such misdemeanor prohibition exists.
Ted Ankrum: This is a form of regulation that serves a public purpose. I believe that commission of an illegal act should have consequences. Loss of the ability to own a firearm is a consequence that should get a potential violator's attention. A firearm is a dangerous device, by intent, and I am perfectly happy to prevent people that have demonstrated their lack of self control from owning one.
Gary Page: I support removing the restriction on a verdict of "Not Guilty" and following having fully paid their debt to society. Restoration of rights is necessary for lowering the recidivism rate.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen			X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd		X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson		X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum	X
(TX-24) Gary Page	X

COMMENTS
Charlie Thompson: I believe that only violent criminals should be denied weapons.
Ted Ankrum: See above discussions
Gary Page: I support removing the restriction on a verdict of "Not Guilty" and following having fully paid their debt to society. Restoration of rights is necessary for lowering the recidivism rate.

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
(TX-1) Roger Owen			X
(TX-3) Dan Dodd			X
(TX-5) Charlie Thompson			X
(TX-10) Ted Ankrum			X
(TX-24) Gary Page			X

COMMENTS
Charlie Thompson: The Founding Fathers understood that governments are, by nature, despotic and that having a well armed citizenry is a good way to keep a lid on the predisposition.
Gary Page: An armed civilian population would ensure that the government could not take over through a military coup.

The following Texas candidates have declined to participate:
(TX-21) John Courage