Before today, I thought that if there’s a Libertarian candidate running for an office, it’s a good chance the NRA would find that candidate the most likely to support their causes. Having just answered this questionnaire, I’m not so sure.  The questions are long, so I’ll just provide a summary here.

For questions about gun regulation (licensing, carry restrictions, sale restrictions), I responded that I would support legislation making guns easier to obtain and carry and oppose legislation increasing restrictions. There were no exceptions to my answers on these questions.

I do not support N.C.’s range protection laws. The fact is, if a person feels that the range is imposing on his rights, then he should be welcome to make his case in court. I added the comment, “A range is like any other business and, unfortunately, is subject to the often-restrictive rules of counties and municipalities. The law should not single out any business for special protection.

I do not support the “No Net Loss” legislation in N.C. I stated, “As property owners and municipal borders shift, I believe it is unreasonable to restrict that free market with such a law.”

I also oppose “Open Fields” legislation to the extent that it would use public funds. I stated, “Such incentives should not come from public funds except (as stated) the sale of licenses, and I’m opposed to needing a license for hunting or fishing.

Finally, I am opposed to having a constitutional amendment making hunting and fishing a “right.” I stated, “Hunting and fishing are not ‘rights,’ they are privileges afforded to those who exercise their right to property and liberty. The U.S. and N.C. Constitutions already protect those rights.”

Hoping to better tie together my responses, I made the following statement at the end of the questionnaire:

“As a Libertarian, the Second Amendment is just one of many parts of the U.S. Constitution I hold sacred. I support all efforts to remove unreasonable legislation limiting Second Amendment rights here in North Carolina, and to hold county and municipal governments liable when they attempt to impose their own restrictions. I also support smaller government and more personal liberty, which means I would not support legislation that requires the citizens of North Carolina to give up their liberty, property, or other rights for the purpose of preserving the privileges and pursuit of happiness for a select group.”