Here is what the NRA is Posting.....Candidate: George W. Bush
Campaign Finances
*** As of the July, 1999 Reporting Period.***
Funds Raised:
$37,289,782
Funds Spent:
$7,209,890
Cash-On-Hand:
$30,079,891
Press Clippings
Bush Backs Hill Republicans on Guns
By Terry M. Neal and Ben White, Washington Post Staff Writers, Saturday, August 28, 1999; Page A5
The GOP presidential candidate said he supports raising the age for gun ownership from 18 to 21 and banning certain high-capacity ammunition clips. Bush also would support closing the loophole that allows unlicensed dealers to sell guns at gun shows without background checks for purchasers &endash; provided, he said, that new background checks could be done instantaneously.
"I support them all; they all are reasonable measures," Bush said during a campaign stop here, adding that he was still committed to the idea that "innocent people, law-abiding citizens, ought to be allowed to own a gun."
Today, Bush said he believed it was possible to "have reasonable laws to keep the guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. That's why I support instant background checks." But he echoed a sentiment common among Republicans that not enough has been done to enforce current laws. "When we find someone illegally selling a gun, there should be a consequence."
Texas Forbids Cities to Sue Gun Firms
Reuters Sunday, June 20, 1999; Page A14
AUSTIN &endash; Texas Gov. George W. Bush, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, signed a bill Friday banning Texas cities from suing gun makers.
"Governor Bush does not believe the manufacturer of a legal product should be held responsible for the criminal misuse of that product," said a statement issued by his office.
Bush Defends Gun Record, Pushes Teen Sex Abstinence in S.C. Foray
Washington Post June 22, 1999
Texas Gov. George W. Bush today said he would have voted for a gun control bill defeated by the House last week and defended his decision to sign legislation barring cities in his state from suing gunmakers for the costs of violence on their streets.
Bush said the 24-hour check on weapons sales at gun shows contained in the House bill "would have made it harder for convicted criminals to get a gun." Most Democrats argued that the House proposal would have actually weakened current law by shortening the waiting period for some gun show sales. They joined with some Republicans to defeat the bill. As for the measure barring city suits against gunmakers -- a target of criticism from Vice President Gore -- Bush said he was unwilling to "subcontract out public policy to the trial lawyers," as he said the Clinton administration too often has done.
Besides, he said, criminals who misuse guns -- not the companies that make them -- should pay the penalty. He said the gun issue was different from cigarette manufacturing, because the tobacco companies had "deceived" the public about the risks of smoking. However, Bush added, he is unhappy with the large payments the lawyers in the tobacco suits had received.
Legislative or Executive Record
As Governor of the State of Texas, Bush signed:
Shall issue concealed carry law.
Prohibition on cities and counties lawsuits against firearms manufacturers.