Words: Edwards supports the Second Amendment as an individual right and feels the rights of hunters should be protected, but believes that steps should be taken to keep guns safe and to keep them out of the hands of children and criminals. “It’s very important for us as Democrats to understand that where I come from guns are about a lot more than guns themselves. They are about independence.”

Actions: Edwards voted AGAINST loosening license and background checks at gun shows (1999), AGAINST increased mandatory penalties for gun violations (1999), and FOR background checks at gun shows (1999).

More about: Gun Control, John Edwards.