U.S. Senate Candidate Dino Rossi Wants More Guns in More Places

Sep 29, 2010

Washington, D.C. -  Dino Rossi, the Republican candidate for the United States Senate from Washington has taken stands on gun violence prevention that are outside the mainstream of Washington voters by aligning himself with extreme gun views.

Like Tea Party candidates for federal office, such as Sharon Angle in Nevada, who suggests “Second Amendment solutions” to our nation’s problems, and Joe Miller in Alaska who thinks residents ought to be able to loaded carry guns in Wal-Mart, Rossi wants more guns in more places for more people. He even favors weakening the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), our nation’s top law enforcement agency on guns.

Rossi’s pro-gun votes during his tenure as a Washington State Senator bought him an A-rating and the endorsement of the NRA bosses. Rossi opposes restrictions on military-style assault weapons, including AK-47s and Uzis. He also would support legislation to allow the carrying of loaded, concealed handguns in Washington state by people legally barred from possessing guns in Washington, if they are able to carry elsewhere.

“As the nation with the highest rate of gun deaths among high-income countries, America needs elected officials who are willing to stand up for common sense gun laws,” said Helmke. “Dino Rossi’s support for gutting the ATF’s ability to enforce the laws, for pushing for easier access to assault weapons, and for allowing the concealed carry of loaded guns in contravention of state law is a clear indication that he’s out of touch with mainstream America.”

“Police chiefs and the majority of residents in Washington, as well as around the country, want to restrict access to assault weapons and are concerned about the proliferation of guns in so many public places. Candidates who push to loosen gun laws are viewed with suspicion by most voters,” added Helmke. “Rossi’s election to the U.S. Senate would make it difficult to pass sensible gun laws and to make this country safer.”

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The Brady Campaign is the nation's largest citizens' lobby to prevent gun violence. We represent the voice of the overwhelming majority of Americans who are tired of living with the constant tragedy of gun violence and are in favor of strong laws and policies that will save lives. We are the light that exposes politicians who are putting the American people at risk, empowering the American people to hold them accountable for decisions and actions that undermine public safety.

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Dan Gross is the President of the Brady Campaign and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. A photo and more information about Dan Gross is available here.

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