Words: Richardson believes that no one with a criminal record or a mental illness should be able to possess firearms and advocates background checks prerequisite to gun purchases. He also feels that the assault weapon ban did not work. “We have to tighten up those background checks. The problem is the states don’t have the databases and the resources.”

Actions: Richardson voted FOR the assault weapon ban (1994). He was endorsed by the NRA when he ran for governor.

More about: Bill Richardson, Gun Control.