sheepdog

Perry: Texas gun rights approach makes state safer
By APRIL CASTRO Associated Press Writer © 2010 The Associated Press
Jan. 22, 2010, 6:55PM
Share Print Share Del.icio.usDiggTwitterYahoo! BuzzFacebookStumbleUponAUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry said Friday that Texans should not be subject to more government intervention and security measures after a gunman opened fire at an entry to the Texas Capitol and that the state's "enlightened" approach to gun rights helps to keep citizens safe.

"In Texas, criminals have to think twice before they draw a gun because there's a good chance they're going to be outnumbered," Perry said, as he accepted the campaign endorsement of the Texas State Rifle Association and the National Rifle Association. "The fact of the matter is, that keeps us all safer."

The endorsement for Perry's re-election campaign came a day after a man who fired several shots outside the Texas Capitol was tackled by police while trying to reload his handgun, according to court records. Fausto Cardenas, who Perry said does not hold a concealed handgun license, remained in Travis County jail Friday on a felony charge of deadly conduct. Bond is set at $250,000.

Perry was not in his Capitol office at the time of the shooting.

Perry suggested he would not support placing metal detectors at Capitol entry points.

"I'm always up for looking at new ways to protect our citizens, but the last thing I want is the Texas Capitol to turn into DFW airport," he said when asked about metal detectors.

He praised the NRA for "establishing and maintaining sensible regulations for gun ownership."

Perry, who said he is registered to carry a concealed handgun, is facing a tough re-election challenge from U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the March 2 primary.

The NRA also commended Hutchison for her support of gun rights.

"It is the policy of the National Rifle Association to always endorse the incumbent unless something has happened that is so egregious that you are not going to do that," said NRA board member Susan Howard-Chrane.

sheepdog

...so far, I don't see the evidence of a "tough challenge" from Sen Hutchison...just don't get that on the street....

Bountyhunter

Well someone with some smarts. That's always a nice thing.

b.roberts

I like Senator Hutchison. I think she is a classy lady and she was an effective Senator. That said, if I were a Texan, no way in hell would I replace Governor Perry.

As a side note, I don't have a problem with metal detectors at the state house. We have them here in WA at the capitol building. I have been there twice for my brothers, graduation and commission ceremony into the State Patrol. The detectors did not hardly slow the line. I think it is kind of funny that WA even bothers with the detectors since we are allowed to carry firearms while visiting the state legislature.