For Immediate Release
Contact: Molly Woon
press [at] dpo [dot] org
Buehler says nothing can be done on gun violence, repeatedly rejects common sense bills
October 5, 2017
PORTLAND — In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, Oregon Democrats are calling on Republican Knute Buehler, candidate for Governor, to explain his recent comments to the Bend Bulletin on gun violence the day after the attacks. As reported:
“But Buehler said he believed mass murder would continue with or without new legislation. ‘Unfortunately, evil exists in our world and deranged madmen won’t be deterred by another new law no matter how well-intended,’ Buehler said.”
These comments, taken together with a legislative record of voting against common sense gun safety laws, raise serious concerns about Buehler’s vision for the safety of Oregonians.
“Gun violence is a terrifying epidemic with ever-widening reach,” said Jeanne Atkins, chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. “Oregonians should be deeply concerned that a candidate for Governor of our state thinks that we should just throw up our hands and accept that massacres are the new normal. He needs to explain himself.”
As a member of the Oregon House of Representatives, Buehler had several opportunities to vote on common sense policies to expand background checks. It has been widely reported that 90 percent of Americans support these types of policies.
Buehler’s no votes include:
2017: Extreme risk protection order (SB 719): NO
2016: Background checks delays, also known as the “Charleston Loophole” (HB 4147): NO
2015: Background checks on private sales (SB 941) : NO
“Buehler’s record on gun safety is abysmal,” said Atkins. “His suggestion that nothing can be done to prevent gun violence offers a very dark vision for our future.”
Democrats also responded to the failure of right-wing activists to refer SB 719 to the ballot today, legislation that both Buehler and the NRA publicly opposed. That referendum sought to repeal a law that creates a process for obtaining “extreme risk protection orders” for people presenting an imminent risk of suicide or causing injury to others.
“We are not surprised that opponents of SB 719 failed to gather enough signatures to repeal. Voters aren't buying the Republican petitioners' right-wing, NRA line. Extreme Risk Protection Orders are a common-sense public safety measure that will help prevent senseless violence and tragedy. It was a bipartisan bill and we are proud that Governor Brown signed the bill into law,” said Atkins.
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