America's Most Watched Governor's Race: Kemp, Abrams On Guns

Brian Kemp and Stacey Abrams face each other on Nov. 6 in the nation's most watched governor's race. Republicans, with Kemp as their nominee, are fighting to maintain control of the governor's office they have enjoyed since 2002, while Abrams is attempting to make history by becoming the nation's first African-American female governor. Recent polls show the race to be a virtual dead heat. From now until Election Day, Patch will continue its comprehensive coverage of the race. Today, we look at the candidates' positions on the issue of gun control.

Brian Kemp has made no secret of the fact he supports the Second Amendment. During a brutal GOP primary earlier this year, the Secretary of State made his A+ rating from the National Rifle Association a centerpiece of his advertising strategy.

Currently, Kemp's campaign website does not list gun safety or gun control as part of his "4-Point Plan To Put Georgians First." But make no mistake: a key portion of Kemp's conservative hopes of winning the governorship are based in his support of Georgia gun owners.

Since her campaign begun, Abrams has proudly touted her "F" rating from the NRA.

From her campaign website, here are Abrams' positions on gun control:

• Support Survivors of Domestic Violence: Call for the immediate creation of a panel of victims, advocates, and lawmakers to determine the best way to ensure that perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking aren’t able to access weapons. Such actions may include prohibiting possession and requiring the surrender of firearms or ammunition by domestic abusers. State laws addressing this “relinquishment gap” have lowered fire-arm related intimate partner homicides by 14%.[i] Additionally, we will support service providers to ensure victims in every part of the state have assistance and shelter when facing family violence. Georgia’s domestic violence service providers received more than 53,000 crisis calls in 2016. Shelters turned away more than 1,500 victims due to lack of bed space. The need is great, and we will work to close service gaps for victims.
• Require Universal Background Checks: Currently, Georgia does not require background checks for private gun sales between individuals (including at gun shows), creating a loophole through which individuals who would not pass background checks can still legally purchase firearms. The data confirms that policies such as universal background checks are effective in lowering suicide and murder rates.
• Allow Families to Petition for Extreme Risk Protection Orders: When a loved one has mental health challenges that put them at risk of endangering themselves or others, families and law enforcement should have a path to petition a court to temporarily restrict firearms access.
• Immediate Repeal of 2012’s SB 350: The AJC notes that this legislation “may be the most egregious gun law in Georgia” and “makes guns something close to sacred.” It requires guns used to commit crime be put back onto the street. It is opposed by members of law enforcement and encroaches on home rule.
• Immediate Repeal of 2017’s HB 280: “Campus Carry” legislation is opposed by Georgia university administrators, educators, and a majority of Georgians.

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