Gov. Nathan Deal's veto of legislation that would allow firearms on Georgia college campuses has provoked a backlash from gun rights advocates and praise from others. So The Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked candidates in three contested state House of Representatives races in Gwinnett County where they stand on "campus carry." Here's what they told us. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
District 99 (Norcross area)
Brenda Lopez, Democrat: "I'm definitely happy the governor vetoed the bill. I'm an attorney. Most people go into law thinking about constitutional rights and protections. I have a large respect for our U.S. Constitution, including the Second Amendment. But no constitutional protection is absolute.
Jaime "Jay" Trevari, Democrat: "People should call Gov. Deal and thank him for that, reward positive behavior." If the legislation comes up next year, she said she would oppose it.
District 105 (Grayson area)
Joyce Chandler, Republican (incumbent): "I supported that (legislation). I believe strongly in the Second Amendment. I am concerned about the idea of college students who are drinking and carrying guns. But my district overwhelmingly supported campus carry."
David Crocker, Republican: "I support campus carry. I think it was written well and I think it was a mistake (to veto the bill.)"
Donna McLeod, Democrat: "Campus carry is ridiculous. You have young people who are out on their own for the first time, many on prescription medication. Then to put a gun in their hand?"
Perry Green, Democrat: Did not respond.
District 108 (Lilburn area)
Clay Cox, Republican: "Campus carry is a good bill. I don't have a problem with anything in that bill. I don't want a Virginia Tech (mass shooting) here. Does it not make sense to have 21-year-old young men and women who have been through the (safety) class be able to defend themselves and maybe others?"
Patty Gabilondo, Republican: "I do support the Second Amendment. That being said, I can see where it would be controversial for my constituents, especially with children in college who aren't trained. I would probably put that out to my constituents (to decide)."
Tokhir "T.R." Radjabov, Democrat: "I feel that arming our students and having guns in our daycares is not the safest approach to creating safety. The problem is not the gun. It's just a tool. If we really are concerned about safety, we need to begin by thinking, `why are people killing each other' and fixing the problem at the root level."
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