State of Wisconsin Archives: on Gun Control


Mandela Barnes: Has advocated for tighter gun control laws

The job of lieutenant governor has few official duties. Evers tapped Barnes to lead the governor's task force on climate change, releasing a report in December that included 55 policy recommendations. He has also advocated for tighter gun control laws and redistricting reform, issues that Evers has championed as governor.
Source: Associated Press on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race Jul 20, 2021

Sarah Godlewski: Clear we've got a gun violence problem in this country

She also expressed support for the Biden administration's push for an infrastructure bill, voting rights legislation and "common-sense" gun reform. "My heart breaks, it just continues to break because of what happened in Kenosha," Godlewski said of the Kenosha County tavern shooting that killed three men and injured three others. "We saw it in Austin, we saw it in Indiana and it's clear that we've got a gun violence problem in this country," she said. "We've got to do something about it."
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race Apr 14, 2021

Tom Tiffany: A+ NRA rating, helped pass conceal and carry in WI

A proud National Rifle Association lifetime member with an A+ rating, Tom helped pass both concealed carry and Castle Doctrine in his first term. When Governor Evers proposed restricting people's 2nd Amendment rights, Tom stepped forward and stopped Evers' gun-grabbing efforts. In Congress, Tom will stop attacks on the 2nd Amendment and champion your ability to fight for freedom and defend yourself against tyranny.
Source: 2019-2020 WI-7 House campaign website Tiffany4Wisconsin.com May 8, 2020

Leah Vukmir: Approach any 2nd Amendment law skeptically

Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation?

Tammy Baldwin (D): Yes. For more background checks & high-capacity magazine & bump stock bans.

Leah Vukmir (R): No. "100% pro-gun." Would approach any 2nd Amendment law skeptically.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Scott Walker: Supports conceal carry and stand-your-ground laws

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

Tony Evers (D): Mostly yes. Universal background checks, 48-hour waiting period, ban bump stocks. Unclear on semi-automatic weapons.

Scott Walker (R): No. "Honored to have an A+ rating" from NRA. Passed conceal carry legislation & protections for shooting intruders, ended 48-hour wait period.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Tammy Baldwin: Ban bump stocks & high-capacity magazines

Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation?

Tammy Baldwin (D): Yes. For more background checks & high-capacity magazine & bump stock bans.

Leah Vukmir (R): No. "100% pro-gun." Would approach any 2nd Amendment law skeptically.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Tony Evers: Universal background checks; ban bump stocks

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

Tony Evers (D): Mostly yes. Universal background checks, 48-hour waiting period, ban bump stocks. Unclear on semi-automatic weapons.

Scott Walker (R): No. "Honored to have an A+ rating" from NRA. Passed conceal carry legislation & protections for shooting intruders, ended 48-hour wait period.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Wisconsin Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Phil Anderson: 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 Wisconsin Governor candidate May 18, 2018

Kelda Helen Roys: Support heritage of responsible gun ownership

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

A: Strongly Oppose--I support the 2nd Amendment. With the freedom to own a firearm comes responsibility--including the responsibility to make sure we have responsible gun laws to keep our kids and communities safe. States that have closed loopholes and strengthened gun laws have reduced gun violence by 40%. Wisconsin has a rich tradition of hunting and sportsmanship, which I strongly support,

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate May 5, 2018

Bob Harlow: NRA is crazy; common-sense gun legislation needed

The candidates were then asked about their support for education and teachers, and how they feel about gun control and schools.

"Traveling the state, everybody I talk to, especially gun owners, especially hunters, whether they are Republicans or Democrats, they all think, No. 1, the NRA is crazy, and No. 2, nobody should be able to purchase or own an assault weapon," Harlow said. "Common sense gun legislation is needed."

Source: Door County Pulse on 2018 Wisconsin governor debate Mar 2, 2018

Leah Vukmir: 100% pro-gun

Leah is 100% pro-gun. She received an A rating for her pro-gun record in the Wisconsin State Senate. Leah opposes expanded federal regulation of gun ownership. In the Senate, she would oppose efforts to start a federal gun registry.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin Senatorial website LeahVukmir.com Oct 15, 2017

Mike Gallagher: Defend our 2nd Amendment Wisconsin way of life

As a military veteran, gun owner, and NRA member, I will defend our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms. I will always support Wisconsin's hunters, sportsmen, and law-abiding gun owners who just want to protect their own families. This is part of Wisconsin's way of life and fundamental to who we are as a country.
Source: 2016 Wisconsin House campaign website MikeForWisconsin.com Nov 8, 2016

Russell Feingold: Universal background checks plus waiting periods

Q: Currently in Wisconsin, it is legal for private individuals and unlicensed gun dealers to sell guns without conducting a background check. Recent polls show that approximately 85% of Wisconsinites support background checks. Do you support legislation that would close the dangerous loophole that allows people to buy a gun without a background check?

Russ Feingold: I believe in universal background checks as well as common-sense waiting periods and restrictions on high-capacity magazines. These measures will help address the gun violence crisis in our country. While I believe that the Second Amendment grants an individual right to own firearms, I also believe that it's time for us to unite to address gun violence.

Source: LWV's Vote411.org on 2016 Wisconsin Senate Race Sep 19, 2016

Scott Walker: Eliminate 48 hour waiting period for gun purchases

SB 35: An Act to amend waiting period for handgun purchases.

Summary by Pioneer Press (6/9/15) Wisconsin Republicans moved [toward] eliminating the state's decades-old 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, pushing a bill that would wipe out the statutes. Minority Democrats railed against the bill, warning it would enable people caught up in fits of rage or depression to obtain weapons quickly and kill people. Republicans countered that the waiting period inconveniences law-abiding citizens, background checks can now be completed in hours and women could get guns faster to protect themselves and their families from abusers.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 19-13-1 on Apr/21/15; Assembly Passed without a roll call on Jun/9/15; several Democrats requested unanimous consent to record their No votes; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jun/24/15.

Source: Pioneer Press on 2022 Wisconsin SB 35 voting records Jun 24, 2015

Mandela Barnes: Keep 48 hour waiting period for gun purchases

SB 35: An Act to amend waiting period for handgun purchases.

Summary by Pioneer Press (6/9/15) Wisconsin Republicans moved [toward] eliminating the state's decades-old 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, pushing a bill that would wipe out the statutes. Minority Democrats railed against the bill, warning it would enable people caught up in fits of rage or depression to obtain weapons quickly and kill people. Republicans countered that the waiting period inconveniences law-abiding citizens, background checks can now be completed in hours and women could get guns faster to protect themselves and their families from abusers.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 19-13-1 on Apr/21/15; Assembly Passed without a roll call on Jun/9/15; several Democrats requested unanimous consent to record their No votes; State Rep. Mandela Barnes voted NO; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jun/24/15.

Source: Pioneer Press on 2022 Wisconsin SB 35 voting records Jun 9, 2015

Leah Vukmir: Eliminate 48 hour waiting period for gun purchases

SB 35: An Act to amend waiting period for handgun purchases.

Summary by Pioneer Press (6/9/15) Wisconsin Republicans moved [toward] eliminating the state's decades-old 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, pushing a bill that would wipe out the statutes. Minority Democrats railed against the bill, warning it would enable people caught up in fits of rage or depression to obtain weapons quickly and kill people. Republicans countered that the waiting period inconveniences law-abiding citizens, background checks can now be completed in hours and women could get guns faster to protect themselves and their families from abusers.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 19-13-1 on Apr/21/15; State Senator Leah Vukmir voted YES; Assembly Passed without a roll call on Jun/9/15; several Democrats requested unanimous consent to record their No votes; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jun/24/15.

Source: Pioneer Press on 2022 Wisconsin SB 35 voting records Apr 21, 2015

Scott Fitzgerald: Eliminate 48 hour waiting period for gun purchases

SB 35: An Act to amend waiting period for handgun purchases.

Summary by Pioneer Press (6/9/15) Wisconsin Republicans moved [toward] eliminating the state's decades-old 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, pushing a bill that would wipe out the statutes. Minority Democrats railed against the bill, warning it would enable people caught up in fits of rage or depression to obtain weapons quickly and kill people. Republicans countered that the waiting period inconveniences law-abiding citizens, background checks can now be completed in hours and women could get guns faster to protect themselves and their families from abusers.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 19-13-1 on Apr/21/15; State Senator Scott Fitzgerald voted YES; Assembly Passed without a roll call on Jun/9/15; several Democrats requested unanimous consent to record their No votes; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jun/24/15.

Source: Pioneer Press on 2022 Wisconsin SB 35 voting records Apr 21, 2015

Tom Tiffany: Eliminate 48 hour waiting period for gun purchases

SB 35: An Act to amend waiting period for handgun purchases.

Summary by Pioneer Press (6/9/15) Wisconsin Republicans moved [toward] eliminating the state's decades-old 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, pushing a bill that would wipe out the statutes. Minority Democrats railed against the bill, warning it would enable people caught up in fits of rage or depression to obtain weapons quickly and kill people. Republicans countered that the waiting period inconveniences law-abiding citizens, background checks can now be completed in hours and women could get guns faster to protect themselves and their families from abusers.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 19-13-1 on Apr/21/15; State Senator Tom Tiffany voted YES; Assembly Passed without a roll call on Jun/9/15; several Democrats requested unanimous consent to record their No votes; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Jun/24/15.

Source: Pioneer Press on 2022 Wisconsin SB 35 voting records Apr 21, 2015

Glenn Grothman: Additional restrictive gun control laws are unneeded

Q: More restrictive gun control laws are needed now to protect public safety?

GROTHMAN: Strongly Disagree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Wisconsin House race Sep 30, 2014

Kathleen Vinehout: NRA "A" rating on gun rights reflects constituents' culture

Vinehout has received an "A" rating from the NRA. She also defended her pro-gun voting history and support for Castle Doctrine when I asked her about it, noting that 75% of her constituents wanted her to vote in favor of it and stressing that rural Wisconsin is "a different world" where guns and hunting are a large part of "our culture."
Source: Monologues of Dissent on 2018 Wisconsin Gubernatorial race Dec 10, 2013

John Schiess: No background checks; yes concealed carry

Q: Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?

A: No.

Q: Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns?

A: Yes.

Q: Should a license be required for gun possession?

A: No.

Q: Do you support current levels of enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?

A: Yes.

Source: Wisconsin Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2008

  • The above quotations are from State of Wisconsin 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 14, 2021