Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, October 9, 1994                   TAG: 9410100005
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

TODAY'S TOPIC: SEMIAUTOMATIC RIFLES

- Marshall Coeburn, Narrows

COLEMAN: "I support the constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and that should include the semiautomatic rifles used by hunters and sportsmen. There are some assault weapons, however, that are designed specifically for killing people, and you will never see them in the hands of a hunter or sportsman or someone who wants to defend his home. I support restrictions on these types of weapons, just like there are on machine guns and bazookas."

NORTH: "I oppose a ban on semiautomatic rifles. These weapons are used in very few crimes. Some political leaders confuse gun control with crime control. They are not the same thing. I strongly support the Second Amendment and find that many of those opposed to semiautomatic rifles want to restrict gun ownership of all Americans. We need more effective and tougher penalties for those who commit crimes with guns, not a ban on guns."

ROBB: "Law enforcement officers have told me they fear turning a dark corner and facing an assault weapon more sophisticated and more deadly than the one they carry to protect our streets and our neighborhoods.

"I supported provisions in the crime bill to ban semiautomatic assault weapons. These are weapons of mass destruction and have no legitimate purpose in our streets or communities. This ban is intended to improve the security of those police officers and sheriffs who risk their lives facing well-armed thugs on the streets.

"I support the Second Amendment rights of citizens, and I do not believe this provision infringes on those rights. Citizens will still be able to arm themselves to protect their families and their homes. They will still be able to enjoy sporting and hunting activities involving guns and semiautomatic pistols and rifles which are not assault weapons."

Got a question? Call our Citizens' Q&A line, and we'll make an effort to track down the candidates. Phone 981-3119 or 1-800-346-1234, ext. 119. Or E-mail us at bwarreninfi.net and be sure to include your name, address and phone number.

Keywords:
POLITICS