Democratic candidates Throne, Trauner remain unchanged on guns

April 16--CHEYENNE -- Things have changed for some Democrats in red states in recent months when it comes to their stances on gun policies. But in gun-friendly Wyoming, statewide Democratic candidates said their views have not shifted.

It used to be relatively safe for Democrats in the Midwest to have folksy, middle-of-the-road policies -- including on guns -- and still be relatively safe from primary challengers further to the left. But that was before massacres in Parkland, Florida, and Las Vegas saw rejuvenated pressure to act on gun-control issues.

Democrats nationwide are hoping to ride a possible blue wave in the 2018 election for statewide races. But some candidates in GOP-dominated states are beginning to feel pressure from their bases to align with policies to expand gun control.

Examples are cropping up such as Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tim Walz and Nebraska congressional hopeful Brad Ashford changing key positions on gun issues, and more could be coming as primaries near.

Wyoming has Democrats seeking offices that could play a role in the future of gun rights in the Cowboy State and nation. Mary Throne of Cheyenne, at this point, seems to have a clear path to the Democratic nomination to be the state's next governor, with no apparent primary challengers.

There also doesn't appear to be any opposition so far on the left to Gary Trauner of Wilson in his race to replace U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.

However, the official filing period runs May 17-June 1.

On the congressional side, some on both sides of the aisle -- including President Donald Trump, who touts himself as a gun-rights defender -- have floated gun-control measures since Parkland. Though the president walked back some of his initial proposals since the Feb. 14 school shooting that left 17 dead, Trump tweeted on March 12 that he still supported expanded background checks and that "bump stocks will soon be out."

Wyoming's next governor is certain to encounter gun bills in the Wyoming Legislature, as a Wyoming Gun Owners lobbyist promised the Wyoming Tribune Eagle in March. So if Throne is elected, it's possible she'll be faced with the option of vetoing, signing or allowing gun legislation to become law without her signature, as Republican Gov. Matt Mead did with this year's so-called "stand your ground" bill.

Mead is a supporter of gun rights, but has vetoed certain measures in the past. On the "stand your ground" bill, Mead said he didn't think it was necessary -- Wyoming already has a castle doctrine -- and he criticized some of the aggressive lobbying tactics, presumably by the National Rifle Association and Wyoming Gun Owners. As such, he allowed it to become law, but did not sign it.

If Trauner were a congressman

Even as Trump and some fellow congressional Republicans have called for some limited expansion of gun control, Wyoming's delegates remained stalwart in opposition to any new measures, including Barrasso.

Unlike the aforementioned Democrats who have changed their views on gun rights in 2018, Trauner said he really hasn't. He counts himself and his family members among those who tout Wyoming as having the highest gun ownership rate per capita.

But while Trauner assures voters he's not interested in "taking anyone's guns," he appears in line with many of the proposals being floated.

"I look at this as a public health and safety issue," Trauner said.

Trauner points to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on District of Columbia v. Heller, where conservative Justice Antonin Scalia wrote the majority opinion affirming the constitutionality of certain gun-control measures.

"(Scalia) made it clear that -- just like every amendment in the Bill of Rights -- that there are limitations to the Second Amendment," Trauner said.

Having a common-sense discussion on gun ownership reform is necessary at this critical juncture, Trauner said. Universal background checks, raising the age limit for purchasing certain weapons, banning bump stocks, and some training and licensing would all be on the table for Trauner if elected to serve in Congress, he said.

If Throne were governor

Throne served in the Wyoming House of Representatives starting in 2007 before she was narrowly edged out by Republican Rep. Jared Olsen of Cheyenne in 2016. In those intervening years, Throne voted both ways on gun measures.

For example, she voted for the castle doctrine bill in 2008 that provides protections for those who use weapons in what they deem self-defense situations in the home. In 2016, Throne voted against a bill that would have repealed gun-free zones in all Wyoming schools with no ability for districts to opt out.

"I have a voting record," Throne said. "I've always been thoughtful on those issues, focusing on whether we're talking about common-sense issues or something that just didn't work for Wyoming."

Throne said she thinks it's important voters probe her record and ask her questions on guns. Similar to Trauner, she said her family members own guns, and she has no interest in taking guns away from Wyomingites. She also said her views hadn't been altered by the Parkland shooting or other recent massacres.

When she looks at Mead's actions on guns issues, Throne said she appreciates the governor's thoughtfulness on evaluating bills on a case-by-case basis. She also agreed with Mead that there was a lot not to like about the lobbying tactics of pro-gun organizations during the 2018 session. Those efforts have stood out compared to other lobbying tactics through the years, Throne said, calling their actions "appalling."

"We shouldn't bully our elected officials," she said.

Another proposal pushed by Trump is to arm school teachers to deter shooters. That's become relevant in Wyoming as school districts across the state are weighing their options, including the urban center of Casper.

While Throne said she has concerns about whether arming teachers is the best way to increase school safety, she said she wouldn't interfere with decisions being made at local levels.

"I think districts have to make that call based on what's in front of them," she said.

Calls for change?

Primary challenges and upsets in Wyoming in recent years have been more common for Republicans.

And it's unclear whether Democrats in Wyoming would want to see policies to the left of their candidates.

Wyoming Democratic Party Chairman Joe Barbuto said those on the left have long called for measures similar to those described by Throne and Trauner. Those views, he said, likely are in line with their supporters.

"I would say it's reasonable to believe their views on firearms and gun violence would be the same as most other Wyoming citizens," Barbuto said.

During the Wyoming Legislature's 2018 session, Cheyenne resident Beth Howard spoke multiple times against the "stand your ground" bill. A self-described advocate for "gun sense," Howard had hoped Mead would veto the legislation.

Reforming gun laws in the state and nation shouldn't be a partisan issue, in Howard's view, she said. But she said she would like to see Wyoming Democrats specifically take strong positions.

"Is it something I would like Democratic candidates I would be voting for to consider taking a stand on? Absolutely," Howard said.

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