Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition

COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL SURVEY RESULTS

Questions

Suthers
1. Do you believe the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution affirms every individual’s right to keep and bear arms and that the Colorado Constitution reaffirms that right? YES

I believe every individual not disqualified by serious criminal conduct or mental disease or defect has the right to keep and bear arms under the U.S. and Colorado Constitutions.
2. Project Safe Neighborhood was intended to aggressively prosecute violent criminals who use guns during the commission of a crime.  We feel, however, that the project and others like it have gone beyond their original intent and are being used to harass all gun owners in general.  Would you support any program like Project Safe Neighborhood that is used to prosecute offenses involving guns, even if nonviolent?

I believe enforcement programs should be focused on violent offenders and certain other offenders such as drug dealers who are possessing or trading in weapons in violation of the law.
3. Current federal and state laws place various restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms by law-abiding adults aged 18 to 20.  Exemplifying those affected by these restrictions are many spouses of deployed soldiers who are left unable, by law, to acquire or possess effective means of defense.  Would you support repealing these restrictions on law abiding citizens aged 18 to 20? YES

I see no basis to differentiate between an 18 year old and 20 year old.
4. Article IV of the U.S. Constitution says, "Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and Judicial Proceedings of every other State".  Would you support a law that requires states to honor concealed carry permits issued by other state?

Under such a reading of the Constitution's "Full Faith and Credit" Clause, every law in every state would be binding on another state.  That would violate principles of federalism and would have very negative consequences (gay marriages). I support federalism and state's rights. States should enter into compacts with each other to honor the concealed carry laws of other states on a reciprocal basis.
5. In Vermont and Alaska law-abiding citizens have a legal right to carry concealed firearms without the requirement of obtaining a permit to do so. Would you support a similar concealed carry law in Colorado?

The Colorado Constitution favors open carry and expressly states "nothing herein shall be construed to justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons." Therefore, in Colorado at least, the Constitution requires some legislative action to provide for conceal carry. The legislature could, however, affirmatively abolish the requirement for a permit.
6. Federal studies have shown that citizens with concealed carry permits are more law-abiding, as a group, than law enforcement. Do you support prohibiting law abiding concealed carry permit holders from carrying concealed within public schools or on school grounds?

I believe conceal carry on public property such as schools or courthouses should be a matter of legislative determination.
7. Some proposed laws would limit gun ownership based on the appearance of the firearm or the caliber.  Would you oppose any law that limits lawful citizens from owning a specific firearm based on its appearance, cosmetic features, or caliber? YES
8. Some lawsuits have been pursued against firearm manufacturers because of crimes committed with their product.  Do you believe a manufacturer should be held liable for illegal activity that occurs using their product? NO
9. Will you oppose the creation of a Colorado state wide database of concealed carry permit holders and the creation of any state or local database that in any way mingles any information about permit holders with that of criminals or suspects? YES
10. What is your favorite firearm?

Because of my interest in Civil War history, I'm intrigued by firearm used in the Civil War.
11. Despite millions of dollars spent on the federal Brady and redundant Colorado background checks there is no evidence that either program has stopped a single criminal from acquiring a gun. Will you support the repeal of either the federal Brady or Colorado background checks?

I believe a fast and efficient background check designed to deter disqualified persons for purchasing a firearm is appropriate.
12. Do you believe gun owners should be required to register their firearms? NO
13. Do you believe there should be a limit on the number of firearms any one individual may purchase in any specific time period? NO
14. Do you believe there should be a limit on the number of firearms any one individual may own? NO
15.  Do you support upholding the state law (SB25, passed in 2003) that prohibits localities, even Home Rule entities, from limiting the rights of citizens to purchase, possess, or carry firearms (including open carry)? YES

Open carry and concealed carry are both matters of statewide concern that should not be subject to local control.
16.  Do you oppose the passage of "safe storage" laws or ordinances that make it impossible for a law-abiding citizen to keep a firearm in a condition ready to defend their family? YES
17. Will you propose legislation to repeal some of the existing gun control laws? If yes, please elaborate.

Suthers: YES. I support repeal of gun control laws that unnecessarily hinder law abiding citizens from exercising their constitutional right to bear arms.
18.  Sportsmen/women in Colorado face a problem of not having access to forestland where hunting and other recreational activities are allowed.  Would you support legislation to increase access to publicly owned lands for recreational purposes, including hunting? YES
19.  Currently the Colorado Springs municipal code states in part:

9.7.103: POSSESSION OR DISPLAY:

C. For purposes of this section, "display" means any opening, or unfolding, manifestation, exhibition, ostentatious showing, or exhibition for effect meant to intimidate, threaten, alarm, or frighten any person.

D. It shall be an affirmative defense that the actor displayed the weapon in self-defense, or to defend another person, or to defend the actor's premises or property. All other applicable State defenses apply.

In effect, Colorado Springs code allows one to "menace" an aggressor to protect one's self, family, or property.  Would you support a change to the Colorado State law so that it more closely parallels Colorado Springs law and would allow the presentation of a firearm as a less than lethal show of force to protect one's self, family, or property?

 YES
20.  Currently, law enforcement sells confiscated property from criminal activity with the exception of firearms.  Would you support legislation that would mandate the sale of confiscated firearms rather than destruction?

Disposition of confiscated firearm should be determined by the legislative body of respective governmental entities.
21.  After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans police began confiscating the firearms of homeowners who were defending their families, homes, and businesses.  This confiscation was stopped only after a lawsuit brought by the National Rifle Association.  Would you support state legislation that would prohibit law enforcement from confiscating personally owned firearm used for self-defense? YES
22.  Do you have any firearms experience or training that you would care to share?

Suthers: I do not publicly discuss personal safety issues.
Any further comments you would like us to consider?

Suthers: To my knowledge, I have always received an A rating from the NRA.

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Page last updated: 04/15/2006