- indicates the winner of the primary
- indicates a run-off candidate
- indicates a known anti-gun candidate
- indicates our choice as the most pro-gun candidate in the race
Note: Reference is sometimes made to votes on two amendments known as the "Istook" and "Chenoweth" amendments. These amendments were voted on in 1995 and were being pushed by pro-gun people. The Istook amendment would have stopped all federal money from going to anti-gun groups who use it to push for gun control (like the AARP and ABA); the Chenoweth amendment would have prevented an increase in funding for the BATF. Both amendments lost.
Legend:
Note: Races with only one candidate were not covered.
JOHN
BRYANT - This man has consistently and unfailingly voted for gun
control throughout his career as Congressman from District 5 in
Dallas. If you want more of the same, vote for him! On top of
this, his staff was quite rude when one of our volunteers paid
his Washington office a visit in 1994. They made it plain that
Mr. Bryant was quite smug in his position in supporting federal
gun control bills. He is appropriately graded an "F"
by the Texas State Rifle Association. He held a press conference
in the valley touting his support of the semi-auto ban early in
his campaign this year. "I have always voted to ban the sale
of military-style weapons and for the Brady bill." (Austin-American
Statesman, p. B4, 4/3/96).
JIM CHAPMAN - Rated a "B"
by the Texas State Rifle Association, Mr. Chapman has flip flopped
on gun control votes while a congressman from District 1 in east
Texas. For example, he voted for the Brady bill, but against the
ban on semi-automatics. He voted against "the rule"
on the crime bill (a pro gun vote) but then voted for the crime
bill on final passage (which contained the ban on semi-automatics).
He seems to have seen the writing on the wall since the 1994 elections,
and has sponsored a bill to repeal of the semi-auto ban. While
he will never be a big supporter, he certainly will not be the
thorn in our sides that Mr. Bryant has been.
VICTOR
MORALES - He has failed to respond to our mailed questionnaire
and a phone call to his campaign. However, he did reveal his views
on gun control in reponse to an Austin-American Statesman
query, in which he said, "I personally have a handgun and
have no intention of giving it up. However, although I am not
sure of the effects of the Brady bill and assault weapon ban on
crime, I would have voted for the Brady bill and voted to continue
the assault weapon ban to attempt to have an effect on criminal
acts with weapons."
JOHN WILL ODAM - No reply to our questionnaire--a sign that he is either anti-gun or just does not care to let the public know where he stands. Either way, he would not deserve your vote.
Jo Ann Howard-Attorney; no response to either NRA or Peaceable Texans inquiries.
Tommy Kessler-Former County Judge; NRA reports he is anti-gun; no response to Peaceable Texan Questionnaire.
Max Sandlin-Judge/businessman;
no response to either NRA or Peaceable Texans inquiries.
Edgar "Bubba" Groce - no response to either NRA or Peaceable Texans inquiries.
Fred Hudson-Lawyer/merchant; no response to either NRA or Peaceable Texans inquiries.
Jim Turner-State Senator,
Attorney; no response to either NRA or Peaceable Texans inquiries.
William A. Foster III-Professor; no response to either NRA or Peaceable Texans inquiries.
John Pouland-Attorney/businessman;
totally unknown on the gun issue; the address he gave when he
filed to run was no good, as his questionnaire was returned to
us marked "forwarding order expired;" not a good sign
of competency.
Terry Jesmore-no response to either NRA or Peaceable Texans inquiries.
Janet Carroll Richardson-TV
producer; no response to either NRA or Peaceable Texans inquiries.
Robert Musemeche-Attorney; He did not respond to our questionnaire.
C.J. Newman-He did not
respond to our questionnaire.
Rusty Bertrand-Teacher
Jack Cherry-
Nick
Lampson- an anti-gun candidate who used to be Jefferson County
Tax Assessor-Collector; he's the kind who will say whatever to
get elected and then vote totally different (this info provided
by a pro-gunner in this district who knows this guy).
Mat Safran-NRA says he's antigun
Geraldine Sam-Educator
Aaron Alejandro-Businessman;
owns 6 guns (did not want to say which ones); comes across strongly
pro-gun and very articulate; could be a good advocate for gun
rights. He supports an instant check system over a waiting period;
supports repeal of the semi-auto ban, and was not really informed
on the pending terrorism bill. Rated "A" by NRA.
Samuel Silverman-Patent
Attorney; no response to either NRA or Peaceable Texans. His opponent
Aaron Alejandro tells us "he would not be with you on this
issue."
Reynaldo Balli Jr.-
Renato Cuellar-State Rep. dist. 3; owns 5 rifles, 3 pistols and 2 shotguns; opposes waiting periods; he is unsure of whether we should repeal the 1994 semi-auto ban; he is not the most informed on gun issues, but overall he was not bad; however, NRA says he voted against the concealed carry law.
Ruben
Hinojosa-Businessman; his family owns H&H Meat Co.; he did
not respond to our questionnaire or phone call.
Jim Selman-Attorney; he
did not respond to our calls or questionnaire; called the "most
liberal of the group" by two of his primary opponents; supposedly
wants to go to Washington so he can "stand up to Newt."
Tony Dominguez-Jr. H.S. Principal; owns a few pistols, ruger mini-14, & shotgun; has done some reading on 2d Amendment but can't cite specific sources; said he supports waiting periods, but when told facts about them he expressed doubt; he was not firm about supporting a repeal of ban on semi-autos, even though his own gun would be banned if manufactured today. He appears to be the kind of candidate that will go where public opinion takes him, instead of leading in the direction he knows is right.
Silvestre
Reyes-Ret'd Border Patrol Chief; generally conservative, and very
popular; not strongly pro-gun and largely ignorant of gun control
issues. He failed to appear at a candidate's forum sponsored by
El Paso Coalition of Sportsmen when his campaign staff had promised
that he was going to appear; he has steadfastly avoided being
pinned down on his feelings on gun control.
Dolores Briones-Consultant; unknown for her views on guns. Did not attend the Sportsmen's candidates' forum but--unlike the other no shows--was up front that she had a prior engagement and would be unable to attend.
Robert "Bob" Levy-essentially ignorant about gun issues, his answers revealed at the Sportsmen's candidate forum, and he appears to be willing to vote his ignorance without finding out facts first.
Tom Petersen-Attorney; wishy washy on gun issues; would not give a straight answer to questions at the Sportsmen's candidate forum regarding repeal of Brady and the semi-auto ban.
Jose Luis Sanchez-Attorney;
an aide to retiring incumbent Ron Coleman, the anti-gun incumbent
who is resigning. We are told by pro-gunners in this district
that Sanchez is even more anti-gun than his current boss, Ron
Coleman. Sanchez, like Reyes, failed to appear at the Sportsmen's
candidate forum.
Michael Clennan-CPA; owns 1 shotgun, 1 rifle and claims to be a hunter; he is opposed to repeal of ban on semi-automatics, but further questioning revealed that he is not well informed about the guns involved or the issue. He seems to have bought the media line that "assault weapons" are frequently used by criminals against police. He did state that he supports a waiting period for handguns, but not long-guns.
John Sawyer-Biostatistician;
no response to us, NRA says he is anti-gun.
Joe Sullivan-Professor;
he never responded to our questionnaire or phone call.
Allen Rindfuss-did not respond to our questionnaire, but when we called and spoke with his father, we learned from him that his son Allen owns no guns and is opposed to an instantaneous background check unless it is financed by gun owners; otherwise, he would keep the current waiting period in effect.
Charles
Jones-Attorney; called his home & office, got no answer or
response to our questionnaire.
Solomon
Ortiz-Incumbent; solid Pro-gun supporter in all major gun votes
in past 5 years, except he voted against the Istook and Chenoweth
amendments.
Mary Hellen Berlanga-Attorney; no response to us; NRA says she's very anti-gun.
Felix Fraga-Houston City Council
Member; while on the city council in 1994 he voted to pass a resolution
calling for a ban on semi-automatic "assault weapons."
He says he wants most to get guns out of hands of young people.
Gene
Green-2d term Incumbent, voted against the semi-auto ban, but
for the 1994 Crime Bill; voted against the Brady bill but against
Istook & Chenoweth amendments
Phil
Gramm-Incumbent, very, very solid supporter of your right to keep
and bear arms. He is so well known for his stand on gun issues,
that we did not even send him a questionnaire. When he, Bob Dole,
and Newt Gingrich were invited to appear in a photograph on the
cover of the NRA magazines, only Gramm showed up. He is not scared
to stand up in front of the whole world for your gun rights. As
a gun owner, you cannot do much better with a senator like him.
Henry Grover-no response to our questionnaire. But see a GOA flyer about this race.
David Young-no response to our questionnaire.
Dennis
Boerner-Real Estate Appraiser; owns guns; opposes waiting periods.
He scored well on our questionnaire. He supports repeal of the
semi-auto ban, and shows he is knowledgeable about the history
and purpose of the 2d Amendment.
Hamp Hodges-Investor; did not respond to our questionnaire, but NRA says he is "ok."
Ed
Merrit-Attorney; did not respond to our questionnaire, but NRA
says he is "ok."
Dr.
Brian Babin-Dentist; owns pistols, rifles, shotguns; clearly understands
the 2d Amendment; opposes waiting periods on 10th Amendment grounds;
supports repeal of the ban on semi-automatics; seems knowledgeable
about guns and gun control issues.
Ben Bius-Real Estate Broker; owns quite a few guns, (but understandably did not want us to disclose details); demonstrates understanding of the 2d Amendment; he opposes waiting periods and over-regulation of FFL's.
Bob Currie-Road Builder; did not respond to our questionnaire, but NRA says he is "ok."
Jim Hughes-businessman; did not respond to our questionnaire, but NRA says he is "ok."
Donna Peterson-consultant
who responded very well on our questionnaire, we rate her answers
100%; she opposes waiting periods; supports repeal of the semi-auto
ban; and her mother holds an FFL!
Jerry Ray Hall-did not
respond to our questionnaire, but NRA says he is "ok."
Jon Newton-Attorney; did not respond to our questionnaire, but NRA says he is "ok."
Glenn Box-Dallas City Council; did not respond to our questionnaire, but rated "A" by NRA.
Pete
Sessions-Very Pro-gun candidate who spoke at a 1994 pro-gun rally
at the State Capitol; he seems to be a committed fighter for your
gun rights, and is willing to advocate same whenever he can. He
is opposed to all gun control.
Kevin Brady-very antigun,
NRA says; did not respond to our inquiries. As a state legislator
he voted against the Right-to-Carry law and for each anti-gun
amendment that was offered to the carry bill, so do not let him
fool you with his campaign literature. Reading it would make you
think he is pro-gun! He is considered by political gurus to be
a front-runner along with Mr. Henderson below.
Gene Fontenot-Physician;
in '94 he ran against Gene Green; he is very pro-gun, as we know
Houston area pro-gunners supported him in his 1994 bid, but he
did not respond to our questionnaire.
Don Henderson-Attorney; did
not return our questionnaire. During personal phone contact he
stated that he would vote to repeal both Brady and the ban on
semi-automatics. He also stated that if he were in Congress today,
he would vote FOR the national concealed carry initiative that
is in committee now. In all fairness, we woke him up when we called,
so he was a bit fuzzy on his answers. Houston gun rights activists
are backing Henderson in the primary, so he's our pick for this
race too.
Daniel D. New-Design Consultant; He stated that the name "Peaceable Texans" sounded like a anti-gun group, which is why he did not respond to our questionnaire. He is very strong in his support of the 2d Amendment and of the entire Constitution in general. Mr. New is the father of Michael New, the soldier who was recently court-martialed for refusing to wear the UN insignia & beret. He would vote to repeal both the Brady Law and the semi-auto ban, and would vote for the national concealed carry initiative. We give this man a very favorable rating on the gun issue, but we do not feel he has the backing to beat Mr. Brady.
Betty Reinbeck-Teacher/Mayor; did not return our questionnaire for the same reason as Mr. New. She believes in the 2d Amendment being an individual right. She would vote to repeal Brady and the semi-auto ban, and would vote for the national concealed carry initiative.
Fred Thornberry-Professor; did not return our questionnaire, and we have not been able to contact him.
Jim Broyles-Very pro-gun; he
is articulate and very knowledgeable about gun issues; he personally
attended one of our meetings in Austin. He has run against the
anti-gun incumbent, Chet Edwards, in the last two elections, slowly
increasing his percentages. Few could surpass Mr. Broyles in his
commitment to gun rights.
Dave Jenkins-
Jay
Mathis-Insurance Agent
Brian Pardo-Rancher
Ernest Anderson Jr.-Capt. American Airlines; did not return our questionnaire as he thought "Peaceable Texans" was an anti-gun organization. In personal interview his campaign manager stated that he thought that gun control was a state issue and not a federal issue.
Bill Burch-Businessman; did
not return our questionnaire as he thought that "Peaceable
Texans" was an anti-gun organization. He is pro-gun and would
vote for repeal of the Brady law and the ban on semi-automatics.
Kay Granger-Businesswoman;
NRA says she is anti-gun. She did not return our questionnaire,
but in a phone interview she stated that she would vote to repeal
the assault weapon ban and was unsure of the Brady Law. When it
was explained to her that it was not uniformly enforced across
the country she stated that she would vote to repeal it. She would
vote against the national concealed carry initiative as she believes
that that is the business of the states.
Ted Bogarth - No response to our survey--an unknown quantity; he is not considered a front runner.
Jim Deats - Very pro-gun. He attended Wayne LaPierre's booksigning in Austin. He has been endorsed by the Austin American-Statesman, but don't let that fool you. He is a personal friend of Don Louck's, a pro-gun activist and FFL.
Greg Laughlin - Incumbent.
He has a proven track record of voting pro-gun on every single
occasion. He was a democrat but recently went republican. Insiders
say his party switch was encouraged by the Texas republican leadership,
and that is why the state party is backing him.
Ron
Paul - Ex republican congressman from Houston. He is a doctor.
He is also very pro-gun. In fact, he ran as the libertarian nominee
for President back in 1980. He says he switched parties when Nixon
instituted price controls, which proved to him that the republicans
were no better than the democrats. He is obviously back to running
as a republican, but as someone with a libertarian philosophy,
he is probably more pro-gun than anyone else.
Jose Aliseda-Attorney; waiting on a response.
Tom
Haughey-Broadcaster/pastor/author; NRA member; FNRA organizer.
He owns 2 rifles and has done some reading on 2d Amendment; he
says, "don't infringe means don't infringe." He said
he supports repeal of the ban on semi-autos; is against waiting
periods and is against centralized record keeping of gun owners/purchasers.
"I go beyond the NRA," which he feels is too soft on
some issues.
Dick Bowen - perennial candidate; sort of a fruitcake, he calls for mandatory death sentence for anyone who shoots a peace officer no matter the circumstances.
Rick
Ledesma - Businessman; Maj. Army Reserves; hands down; pro-pro-pro;
looks good, talks well; very openly pro-gun; an advocate; supports
repeal of ban & Brady.
Kirk K. Colyer-
John Shull-
James Walker
- A supporter of Mr. Walker wrote us the following: "I have
worked with James Walker for 7 years and I know that he supports
the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. I also know
that he responded to several surveys (one from the NRA) that addressed
gun control issues." Unfortunately our questionnaire was
not one of them. However, considering that his democratic opponent
is very anti-gun (Henry B. Gonzalez, an incumbent of 18 years),
a vote for Walker in November would be the best bet to unseat
Mr. Gonzalez.
Tom
DeLay-Pro-Gun Incumbent; he has a solid voting record for all
gun related votes for past 5 years; he even voted for Istook and
Chenoweth amendments--a sign that he is sensitive to gun issues.
Gregg Pepper-Business/development; we are waiting on a response.
Olivia Coggin Eudaly-education/business; we are waiting on a response.
Ed Harrison-Home Builder;
we are waiting on a response.
Bill Brock-Merchanical Engineer; he has failed to respond to our questionnaire and telephone call.
Brent
Perry-Attorney; owns no guns; but gives correct answers to all
questions on our questionnaire, which shows he is aware of and
reasonably informed on gun related issues. He is one of the few
who stated he opposes the anti-terrorism bill due to it's infringements
on the rights and privacy of citizens. He supports repeal of the
ban on semi-autos and is rated "A" by NRA.