Rick Perry Not the Usual Candidate Supporting Second Amendment

Gun owners and gun rights activists are used to hearing candidates for office express support for our rights.  In some cases, these candidates don't even own a firearm (which is fine - one does not have to own a gun to support the Constitution) much less having ever fired one.  Or, in other cases, we see candidates go out and shoot some clay targets or go on hunting trips for the camera.  We even have candidates who have less than stellar records as and elected official claim they are "lifelong hunters" when running for an office where being for freedom can make a difference in whether or not they are elected.

But Texas Governor Rick Perry is in a totally different category.  Sure, he's a hunter.  He even told reporters during an Iowa Pheasant hunt this past weekend:

“As long as I’ve got memory I’ve had something to go hunting with,’’ Perry said, “so it was a long love affair with a boy and his gun that turned into a man and his gun and then it turned into a man and his son and his daughter and their guns.’’

Not only does Governor Perry own firearms for hunting, he also carries a firearm for self defense.  He regularly goes to the range to practice, and has said he doesn't play golf on his day off, he goes to the range.

Who knows what former Governor Mitt Romney believes.  Herman Cain has made some confusing statements on the subject leading at least one gun blogger to ask for clarification.  Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann, Ron Paul, and Rick Santorum all have voting records supporting the right to keep and bear arms.  But without question, Governor Perry practices what he preaches when it comes to firearm freedom.

McDonnell Praises Perry, Stops Short of Endorsing

The Republican Party of Virginia held a fundraising luncheon today in Richmond featuring Texas Governor and Presidential Candidate Rick Perry.  The Richmond Times Dispatch covered the event.

In introducing Perry, McDonnell praised the Texan's record but stopped short of an endorsement. McDonnell reiterated his desire to see a governor in the White House. He has said he would not endorse a presidential candidate until November if at all.

Perry told the crowd that the GOP did not need a nominee who could bridge divides between Republicans and Democrats:

“We need a nominee who draws a clear and distinct contrast,” he said, adding that the difference between himself and Obama couldn’t be more clear.

Perry leads former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for the GOP Presidential Nomination in recent polls with all of the remaining candidates in single digits.