Political Quotes

“I ask one additional question through the Chair. Many New Mexicans live in very rural areas near the border with Mexico. Carrying a gun is not unusual in those areas. It is a different way of life than in Connecticut or anywhere on the east coast. For example, the entire State of Connecticut is about 5,500 square miles, with a population of 3.5 million. Hidalgo County, NM, one of our 33 counties in southwestern New Mexico, is almost 3,500 square miles and has a population of fewer than 5,000. Many of the ranches there are tens of thousands of acres. They are in the remote boot heel area of the State, a region that is divided by mountain ranges and that borders Mexico on two sides. So I understand why many New Mexicans feel safer carrying a firearm. They might be miles from the closest help. It might take law enforcement a significant time to reach them. So I certainly don't want to do anything to infringe on their right to protect themselves with a firearm. But I would ask my friend from Connecticut who has worked on this issue so long and understands this so well, would any of the proposals we are asking to get a vote on take away their rights to purchase or own a firearm?”