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Gun Control in the Daschle-Thune Race
Gun control, an issue that really gained prominence in the early to mid-1990s, doesn't seem to get voters excited anymore. It's been easily overshadowed by other issues since the time of the Brady Bill. In South Dakota, however, where gun ownership is high (Woster), a candidate's position on gun control matters. You really wouldn't know it, however, if you were tuning in to the Tom Daschle and John Thune Senate campaigns. Daschle, a professed moderate on the issue, holds conflicting positions to Thune, who is an ardent and consistent supporter of gun rights.
Senator Tom Daschle (D) might be accused by Republicans of "flip-flopping" on the issue of gun control. In 1990, for example, Daschle said: "I am against gun control, period" (Lauck). However, in March, he was one of the few Senate supporters of a renewal of the Federal assault weapons ban (Madden). He has also voted for near-universal background checks at gun shows (OntheIssues). Indeed, he has been given a failing grade by the National Rifle Association (NRA) (Lauck). However, he is not afraid to vote for some measures favorable to gun enthusiasts, such as a bill to exempt some former law enforcement officials from concealed-carry prohibitions (U.S. Senate). And his spokesman is not afraid to call the Senator "a gun owner and hunter" (Mercer). It seems that Daschle's "home style" differs a bit from his "Hill style." On Capitol Hill, Daschle is the dean of the Democrats and must back gun control measures, which are popular among his party's consituents. Back home, however, in a State in which the Democratic congressman just received an endorsement from the NRA (Lauck) and the junior Democratic Senator opposed renewing the assault weapons ban (Mercer), Daschle must conform. His is the ultimate role of straddling the fence, and it is no surprise that Daschle, at least, has kept mum on the issue during this campaign.
Challenger John Thune (R) built a solid reputation of supporting gun ownership rights while in the Congress. In fact, he has been given an 'A' rating by the NRA for this campaign (OnTheissues). His website displays a strong message affirming Second Amendment ideals (Johnthune.com). Yet Thune does not attack Daschle as much as one might expect. A recent interview included the issue of gun control in a long line of conservative issues that Thune insists Daschle has "forsaken" (Dettmer). Yet, Thune has seemingly neglected to make gun control much of an issue besides the occasional barb. Thune must assume that he already has the votes of gun-rights advocates, and sees no need to spread vitriol with an issue that has broad support, but generates little enthusiasm.
WORKS CITED AND HONOR CODE STATEMENT
Created Oct. 14, 2004. Updated Oct. 15, 2004