The Republican Hopefuls GEORGE W. BUSH The leading GOP contender and hunter signed bills allowing people to carry concealed weapons and limiting the right to sue gunmakers. He supports national instant gun checks and felony charges for anyone giving guns to minors.
ELIZABETH DOLE Following the Columbine massacre, she was the first GOP contender to come out for more gun control. “You don’t need an AK-47 to defend your family,” she said. She opposes assault weapons, favors safety locks and background checks.
STEVE FORBES He wants to make sure that “felons don’t buy guns” and supports automatic jail time for any criminal who attempts to buy a gun or for anyone possessing a gun while committing a crime. He also supports a national instant background check.
The Democratic Hopefuls JOHN MCCAIN The Arizona senator says he is “uncomfortable moralizing and telling people how to live their lives.” Supports background checks at gun shows and trigger locks. He says violent media should display warning labels.
AL GORE As a senator, cast some pro-NRA votes, but as vice president was a leading force in passing the Brady bill and assault-weapons ban. He would require anyone who wanted to buy a handgun to first obtain a picture ID license.
BILL BRADLEY He has proposed tough anti-gun measures, including registration of all handguns, a mandatory safety course for handgun owners, a ban on Saturday-night specials, mandatory background checks at gun shows and trigger locks on handguns.
