IR State Bureau - 06/27/08

Thursday's historic decision upholding the rights of individual gun owners drew uniform praise from many Montana politicians. Here are some of their statements:

"In Montana, gun control is hitting what you're shooting at. The Supreme Court got this one about right." Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

"I'm an avid supporter of Second Amendment rights and I'm pleased with the Supreme Court's ruling today. All law-biding citizens have the right to bear arms, whether it's for hunting in the great outdoors or for protection. Every Montanan and American should be able to carry a gun if they so choose." -- U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont.

"This is a great day for the country, for the Constitution, and for the people to affirm the fact that we have the right to keep and bear arms -- regardless of where you live, whether it's in rural Montana where I come from or right here in Washington, D.C. I'm very proud of the court. I think they made the right decision. It was a clean decision." U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.

"Today the Supreme Court upheld what Montanans have known all along: The D.C. gun ban just doesn't pass constitutional muster. The right to own a firearm is a fundamental part of the Bill of Rights and I'm glad to see the nation's highest court agrees. Now, I urge D.C. officials to immediately enact reasonable standards that respect the rights of gun owners." U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont.

"I consider this a victory for American and certainly for all Montana gun owners." Tim Fox, Republican candidate for Montana attorney general.

"I applaud today's decision. The right to individual gun ownership is an important part of Montana's heritage." Steve Bullock, Democratic candidate for Montana attorney general.