State of Maine Archives: on Gun Control


Sara Gideon: Endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety for gun-sense majority

Everytown for Gun Safety threw its support behind 11 Democratic Senate candidates including Sara Gideon in Maine.

"Everytown is going all-in to flip the Senate and elect leaders who will treat America's gun violence epidemic like the crisis it is," the Everytown President said. The group has targeted a number of key races in the House and Senate, emphasizing the need to protect what it calls a "gun sense majority," which is mostly comprised of Democratic candidates.

Source: The Hill e-zine on 2020 Maine Senate endorsements Jun 9, 2020

Eric Brakey: Oppose background checks for individual gun transfers

Q: Do you support or oppose the referendum question number three which would require, with exceptions, background checks prior to the sale or transfer of firearms between individuals not licensed as firearms dealers, and with the failure to do so punishable by law?

Eric Brakey: Oppose. "This would turn regular, law-abiding citizens into unintentional felons, simply by loaning a firearm to a friend going hunting."

Source: Christian Civic League on 2018 Maine Senate race Nov 1, 2018

Janet Mills: Ban bump stocks and high-capacity magazine

Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?

Mills: Yes. Ban bump stocks and high-capacity magazines. Spent career fighting for sensible gun safety laws, including related to domestic violence.

Moody: No. Supports ME Constitution's statement that right to keep and bear arms "shall never be questioned."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maine Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Shawn Moody: Right to bear arms "shall never be questioned

Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?

Mills: Yes. Ban bump stocks and high-capacity magazines. Spent career fighting for sensible gun safety laws, including related to domestic violence.

Moody: No. Supports ME Constitution's statement that right to keep and bear arms "shall never be questioned."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maine Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Shawn Moody: Pro 2nd Amendment; wants armed officials in high schools

Uphold the Oath to protect and defend the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution as well as Maine's Constitution which states: "Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned." Veto unconstitutional measures which would limit law abiding citizen's rights. Place trained, armed school resource officers in every high school across the state. Support active shooter training for schools, large venues, and workplaces that need the training.
Source: 2018 Maine Gubernatorial race website ShawnMoody.com Sep 1, 2018

Zak Ringelstein: Most Americans wants gun control but NRA stops it

[In a letter-to-the-editor to the Press-Herald, Ringelstein wrote, after the Parkland Florida school massacre]: With 70% of Americans favoring common-sense gun laws and overwhelming public support in surveys for an assault weapons ban, it seems strange that there is little political will to make it happen. That is, until you look at who is truly electing these "pro-gun" politicians. Sen. Marco Rubio has taken over $3.3 million in donations from the NRA since beginning his political career.
Source: Press Herald on 2018 Maine Senate race Mar 8, 2018

Chris Lyons: Absolute right to gun ownership

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?

A: support

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maine Senate candidate Mar 6, 2018

Mary Mayhew: Pro gun ownership and armed guards wherever needed

When asked about gun control, all candidates leaned toward remaining pro-gun ownership. Thibodeau said he was in favor of concealed carry, even in schools if the teacher wanted. He brought up the Feb. 14 shooting in a Florida school, saying that had a coach been armed, it may have saved lives. Mayhew said she believes others should be afforded the same safety that legislators are given in the State House, where there is an armed officer in case of a dangerous opportunity.
Source: Sun Journal on 2018 Maine Gubernatorial debate Feb 27, 2018

Eric Brakey: The second amendment is essential for liberty

I am pleased to receive the endorsement of @NatlGunRights [NAGR, the National Association for Gun Rights]. The right of self-defense is at the core of our nation and essential for liberty.
Source: Twitter posting on 2018 Maine Senate race Jun 28, 2017

Eric Brakey: Bipartisan Republican leads the charge to less gun control

Eric led the charge to pass bipartisan constitutional carry legislation, allowing law abiding citizens to carry a concealed handgun in the state of Maine without a permit.
Source: 2018 Maine Senate campaign website EricBrakey.com Apr 3, 2017

Paul LePage: Allow concealed carry guns without a permit

SP 245: An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit.

Summary by Bangor Daily News: Supporters of the bill said the measure doesn't change who can legally own and carry a weapon but simply legalizes carrying concealed weapons. The bill's opponents said they believed it would lead to a more dangerous and deadly Maine, one of the safest states in the country. Some who have been screened by state or local police and denied permits for a variety of reasons would now be able to pack heat, they said.

Summary by NRA:The National Rifle Association won another victory for gun owners today. "Maine now joins an ever-growing number of states in passing permitless carry,"

Legislative outcome: Passed House 87-60-4, Roll Call #152, Jun/4/2015; Passed Senate 23-12-0; Roll Call #372; Jun/30/15; Signed by Governor Paul LePage Jul/8/15

Source: Bangor Daily News on Maine legislative voting record SP 245 Jul 8, 2015

Eric Brakey: Allow concealed carry guns without a permit

SP 245: An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit.

Summary by Bangor Daily News: Supporters of the bill said the measure doesn't change who can legally own and carry a weapon but simply legalizes carrying concealed weapons. The bill's opponents said they believed it would lead to a more dangerous and deadly Maine, one of the safest states in the country. Some who have been screened by state or local police and denied permits for a variety of reasons would now be able to pack heat, they said.

Summary by NRA:The National Rifle Association won another victory for gun owners today. "Maine now joins an ever-growing number of states in passing permitless carry,"

Legislative outcome: Passed House 87-60-4, Roll Call #152, Jun/4/2015; Passed Senate 23-12-0; Roll Call #372; Jun/30/15; Sen. Brakey was the lead sponsor of the bill and voted YES; Signed by Governor Paul LePage Jul/8/15

Source: Bangor Daily News on Maine legislative voting record SP 245 Jun 30, 2015

Mike Thibodeau: Allow concealed carry guns without a permit

SP 245: An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit.

Summary by Bangor Daily News: Supporters of the bill said the measure doesn't change who can legally own and carry a weapon but simply legalizes carrying concealed weapons. The bill's opponents said they believed it would lead to a more dangerous and deadly Maine, one of the safest states in the country. Some who have been screened by state or local police and denied permits for a variety of reasons would now be able to pack heat, they said.

Summary by NRA:The National Rifle Association won another victory for gun owners today. "Maine now joins an ever-growing number of states in passing permitless carry,"

Legislative outcome: Passed House 87-60-4, Roll Call #152, Jun/4/2015; Passed Senate 23-12-0; Roll Call #372; Jun/30/15; Sen. Thibodeau co-sponsored the bill and voted YES; Signed by Governor Paul LePage Jul/8/15

Source: Bangor Daily News on Maine legislative voting record SP 245 Jun 30, 2015

Jared Golden: Oppose concealed carry without a permit

SP 245: An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit.

Summary by Bangor Daily News: Supporters of the bill said the measure doesn't change who can legally own and carry a weapon but simply legalizes carrying concealed weapons. The bill's opponents said they believed it would lead to a more dangerous and deadly Maine, one of the safest states in the country. Some who have been screened by state or local police and denied permits for a variety of reasons would now be able to pack heat, they said.

Summary by NRA:The National Rifle Association won another victory for gun owners today. "Maine now joins an ever-growing number of states in passing permitless carry,"

Legislative outcome: Passed House 87-60-4, Roll Call #152, Jun/4/2015; Rep. Golden voted NO; Passed Senate 23-12-0; Roll Call #372; Jun/30/15; Signed by Governor Paul LePage Jul/8/15

Source: Bangor Daily News on Maine legislative voting record SP 245 Jun 4, 2015

Sara Gideon: Oppose concealed carry without a permit

SP 245: An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit.

Summary by Bangor Daily News: Supporters of the bill said the measure doesn't change who can legally own and carry a weapon but simply legalizes carrying concealed weapons. The bill's opponents said they believed it would lead to a more dangerous and deadly Maine, one of the safest states in the country. Some who have been screened by state or local police and denied permits for a variety of reasons would now be able to pack heat, they said.

Summary by NRA:The National Rifle Association won another victory for gun owners today. "Maine now joins an ever-growing number of states in passing permitless carry,"

Legislative outcome: Passed House 87-60-4, Roll Call #152, Jun/4/2015; Rep. Gideon voted NO; Passed Senate 23-12-0; Roll Call #372; Jun/30/15; Signed by Governor Paul LePage Jul/8/15

Source: Bangor Daily News on Maine legislative voting record SP 245 Jun 4, 2015

Bruce Poliquin: Strong supporter of the Second Amendment

Maine residents have a long history of safe and law-abiding gun ownership. We have one of the highest rates of firearms possession and one of the lowest rates of gun violence. For generations, 2nd District families like my own have responsibly used firearms to enjoy our long tradition of hunting and target shooting, and to ensure the protection of our rights and property. I'm a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and always have been. I still use my Marlin rifle that I bought at age 14.
Source: 2014 Maine House campaign website, PoliquinForCongress.com Nov 4, 2014

Eliot Cutler: Restrict access to firearms via universal background checks

I respect and honor the Second Amendment. Maine has a long history of responsible gun ownership, and at the same time is one of the states with the lowest gun-related crime in America. I think that we need to focus considerably more attention on how to best address the central problem of access to firearms by people who should not have access, and so I have actively and strongly supported efforts designed to keep guns out of the wrong hands, like universal background checks upon sale and transfer.
Source: 2014 gubernatorial campaign website, CutlerForMaine.com Dec 31, 2013

Shenna Bellows: Was NRA member, but left because they became too extreme

Bellows is prepared for some of those hot-button issues that often make or break a candidate with certain populations of voters. Bellows used to be an NRA member, but says that she is not anymore because it became too partisan and to extreme.
Source: Machias Valley News Observer on 2014 Maine Senate race Dec 4, 2013

Angus King: Supports gun rights

King would pass a general Democratic litmus test: He is prochoice on abortion, supports gay marriage, backs President Obama's health care law, and opposes GOP efforts to transform Medicare into a voucher program.

But he insists that he has conservative values when it comes to fiscal responsibility. "I think you should have a 'pay-as-you-go' system,'' he said. Also, he supports gun rights and endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 (although not for reelection).

Source: Boston Globe, "Independent", on 2012 Maine Senate Debates Apr 19, 2012

Charlie Summers: Allow individuals to carry concealed guns

Source: Maine Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2008

John Baldacci: Allow concealed carry

Source: 2006 Maine Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test Nov 7, 2006

Matt Dunlap: Ease or repeal restrictions on purchase & possession of guns

Source: Maine Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2002

  • The above quotations are from State of Maine Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Gun Control.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2020 Presidential contenders on Gun Control:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN) 		Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021