On the issues: CD5 Republicans, Part 4

Last week, PolitickerAZ.com sent out a questionaire asking the Republican candidates in the 5th Congressional District about their takes on some key questions currently facing Congress and the nation.

In parts 1-3, four of the five candidates discussed the Iraq War, diplomacy toward "rogue states," veterans care, tax breaks for oil companies and global climate change (the fifth candidate, David Schweikert, chose not to participate).

In the last installment, the candidates present their views on 2nd Amendment rights and whether or not a national anti-gay marriage amendment should be pursued.

QUESTION:

What is your stance on Second Amendment rights? What restrictions on gun and weapons ownership, if any, are appropriate?

Laura Knaperek:

All law abiding citizens have the right to keep and bear arms.

Jim Ogsbury:

I fiercely advocate the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.  I do not support additional restrictions on gun ownership.

Susan Bitter Smith:

I believe that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual the right to keep and bear arms. I support gun ownership as a constitutional right.

Mark Anderson:

I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the constitutional right of gun owners. In my 14 years in the Arizona Legislature I have always had an "A" rating from the NRA. I support the current laws on concealed carry that are in effect in Arizona.

QUESTION:

Do you favor a national gay marriage ban?

Jim Ogsbury:

The Constitution carefully delimits the powers of the federal government.  Those powers not specifically enumerated as federal are reserved to the states.  As a matter of constitutional prerogative, I would not support a federal ban on gay marriage.  Gay marriage bans are best left to the determination of individual states. 

Susan Bitter Smith:

Yes. Recent decisions by activist courts have made it clear that federal action is necessary to protect the tradition of marriage.

Mark Anderson:

I support the effort to amend the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

Laura Knaperek:

Gay marriage is an emotional issue for many Arizonans and the recent California court decision causes great concern. Optimally, individual states should deal with this issue. That is why I support the legislature's efforts to bring this issue back to the people for a vote this fall. It is also possible that a federal solution may be necessary.

Read Part 1: The Iraq War

Read Part 2: Iran, Syria and North Korea; veterans' care

Read Part 3: Tax breaks for oil companies; global climate change