Patricia Lightner for Congress – Lightner Highlights Pro-Gun Stance; Releases NRA Questionnaire
Media Release
July 21, 2010
Lightner Highlights Pro-Gun Stance; Releases NRA Questionnaire
Survey Answers Reveal Strong Views in Support of 2nd Amendment
Olathe, Kan – State Rep. Patricia Lightner, Republican for Congress in the 3rd District of Kansas, today issued the following statement highlighting her pro-gun stance in favor of 2nd Amendment rights, and released her complete 2010 NRA questionnaire, which reveals strong views in support of the 2nd Amendment. A an HTML version of her survey can be found here.
“Let there be no doubt – I support the 2nd Amendment. From conceal carry to gun registration and licensing to the Clinton gun and magazine ban to the recent Supreme Court decision, I have taken a firm stand in defense of gun rights. In Congress, not only would I be a vote in support of these rights, I would be an advocate for them as well,” said Lightner.
Lightner’s statement came in reaction to an NRA rating, which she felt inaccurately portrayed her stance versus that of her opponent’s. In fact, her 2010 questionnaire reveals universal agreement with the NRA on the questions they asked.
“The NRA rating is unfortunate and puzzling, simply because it is not true. Much like my opponent had a D in 2004, a C- in 2006, and then an A the last two terms, my views on gun control have become more conservative over time. These views are reflected in my NRA questionnaire, which I am releasing to the public so it is clear to gun owners what my stance is,” said Lightner, who is a member of the NRA.
In addition to releasing her survey, Lightner pointed to several pro-gun votes while she was a member of the Kansas House:
March 15, 1999 – Voted YES on HB 2540 — An act concerning firearms and ammunition; relating to the design, marketing, manufacture, distribution, dealing and sale thereof – reserved to the state the exclusive right to initiate certain lawsuits against or recover damages from firearms or ammunition manufacturers, distributors, dealers, sellers, or any trade association representing such entities. The bill was opposed my most moderate Republicans, including several supporters of Kevin Yoder, and was supported by conservatives. Lightner voted YES.*
March 24, 2000 – Voted YES on HB 2564, which would have exempted from any civil liability or criminal prosecution for noise pollution or nuisance claims those shooting ranges that comply with the generally accepted operating practices. *
March 30, 2001 – Voted YES on SB 180 (a bill similar to HB 2564) which allowed shooting ranges to be exempt from any civil liability claims or criminal prosecution or noise pollution or nuisance claims, and prohibited a governmental entity from taking title of a sport shooting range by condemnation or eminent domain. The bill was supported by conservatives and opposed by many moderates, as well as representatives of the League of Kansas Municipalities, the Johnson County Commission, and the City of Lenexa. Lightner voted YES.*
April 4, 2002 – Voted YES on SB 116, a bill which reserved to the state the exclusive right to bring civil suits against any firearms or ammunition manufacturer or federally licensed firearms or ammunition dealer. The bill was supported by representatives of the Kansas State Rifle Association, the Kansas Second Amendment Society, the National Rifle Association, the Kansas Sportsmen’s Alliance, the Hodgdon Powder Company of Overland Park and Herington, and others. Proponents said the bill would help protect lawful firearms and ammunition manufacturers from suits by those wishing to use the court system to change social policy. Opponents included the League of Kansas Municipalities, Safe State Kansas, the Kansas Trial Lawyers, Johnson County, the City of Wichita, National Council of Jewish Women of Greater Kansas City, Main Stream Coalition, and Others.*
*Source: www.kslegislature.org
Lightner has previously, shortly after entering the race, addressed a vote she cast against conceal carry in 2004, legislation her opponent also voted against, both in 2004 and again in 2006. Her statement, which outlines her current views in support of conceal carry as well as her broader views on the 2nd Amendment, can be viewed by clicking here.
David Gilmore, a longtime Member of NRA commented, “Patricia Lightner’s stance on gun rights is in line with the values of the NRA. Although she did vote against the Kansas concealed carry bill, I believe she did so because she felt the majority of her constituents were not supportive of that bill as it was written. While I personally fully supported the concealed carry bill, I respect Patricia’s vote. I feel Patricia demonstrated her integrity when she cast her vote according to the wishes of the majority of the constituents that contacted her. She truly felt she was doing the right thing and we certainly need more of that in Washington today. Her more recent positive statements in favor of gun rights bills further indicates her support of Second Amendment rights and I have no doubt she will continue to follow that path. The last time I spoke with Patricia she was preparing to take her own concealed carry certification class!” said Gilmore.
State Rep. Eric Carter, a gun-rights supporter who served with Patricia for two years in Topeka and is now her campaign chairman, says gun owners have a friend in Patricia Lightner.
“Patricia Lightner will fight for the 2nd Amendment in Washington. She is unquestionably pro-gun and pro-2nd Amendment. She’s been honest about her past vote on conceal carry and her current views on the issue, and voters should look at her questionnaire, which reflects a clear stance in favor of gun rights,” said Carter.
Lightner said the ultimate test will be how she votes in Congress.
“If elected, 2nd Amendment supporters will see a voting record that in defense of gun rights and against government intrusion into those rights. I will be a strong advocate for the 2nd Amendment.”
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