Kansas House Democratic primary candidates on the issues: Gun violence

Gun Rights

The Post asked readers last month about the issues they wanted to hear Democratic candidates running for the Kansas House of Representatives address. Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire with the most important issues to Johnson County voters.

Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one of five questions. Candidates previously responded to questions about abortion policy and Kansas’s teacher shortage. Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:

Democratic lawmakers have for years been pursuing bills aimed at reducing gun violence in the state, but have made essentially no progress. Do you see any potential path toward meaningful legislation in this area? If so, what approaches would have the best chance of moving forward? If not, please explain your thinking.

Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:

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District 14

Dennis Miller

I agree with the recent bipartisan gun safety bill that was recently signed into law which gives states incentives to pass “red flag” laws that allow people to petition courts to remove guns from individuals that are a threat to themselves or others. It also expands background checks on 18-21 year olds, It also further limits those convicted of domestic abuse to include their partners.

Matt Maciel

Maciel told the Post he has stopped campaigning for this race, but will still appear on the ballot.

District 30

Courtney Eiterich

My dad was a hunting guide and my children are Boy Scouts. I understand that gun ownership is an enormous responsibility. That’s why I support sensible gun laws that save lives. We must expand background checks on all gun sales, reinstate legislation that requires a permit and training for carrying a weapon, and treat gun violence like the public safety issue that it is.

Scott Perkins

I feel the path forward towards meaningful legislation must begin with small steps. Making small changes that opposing viewpoints can accept will build trust and form common ground on an issue. Those small changes may not initially feel like meaningful change, but they can alter the inertia and begin movement in a different direction. For the sake of transparency, I want to disclose that I am a sportsman, I own firearms (shotguns & rifles) and I participate in hunting and occasionally other shooting sports. I recently completed the NRA’s candidate survey and answered the NRA question on banning high-capacity magazines as follows;

Waterfowl hunters have accepted a 3 shot magazine limit since the 1930’s, several states have added the 3 shot magazine limit to deer hunting regulations. I feel a 3 shot limit for deer hunting, upland bird hunting, and small game hunting in Kansas is a reasonable regulation that sportsmen could accept and would be one small step forward.

On Thursday, we will publish the candidates’ responses to the fourth question:

Climate change remains the most-asked-about topic by our readers. What role should the legislature be playing to improve climate resiliency here in Kansas? How big a priority is mitigation of climate change in your vision for the legislature?

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