Is Cory Booker Gun-Shy About Weapons Ban?

Newark Mayor Cory Booker

The Newark Star-Ledger argues yes for the moderate-liberal Democrat. Likely because in Newark, only three out of 92 homicides involves "assault weapons" (which liberals seek to ban): "Earlier this month, New Jersey members of Mayors Against Illegal Guns gathered in Cranford for a rally. Booker, a longtime member of the group, was a no-show. Booker’s stance on gun control is more moderate than [New York Mayor Michael] Bloomberg’s, despite Newark recording roughly six times more murders per capita last year than New York — the vast majority due to guns. In fact his moderation on guns is at odds with many of his fellow Democrats who are fighting for any ground on the field of gun control."

The article continues: "But Booker’s comments also show a stark shift from those of a young Newark councilman who told C-SPAN in 2000 that he favored banning all guns. His name: Cory Booker. 'In my urban environment I see little to no need for guns at all,' Booker said during the interview. He mentioned handguns in particular, but when asked if he would ban guns in general, Booker said, 'I would. If I had the power to do so, I would.' When asked last week why he changed his tune Booker said, 'My experience over the last seven years as mayor has given me a very practical, nuanced, data-driven and experienced view as to what policy works to help empower people and advance our city.'"

Sen. Lautenberg, whom Mayor Booker may run against next year, gets his digs in: "Some on the left of the gun-control debate say Booker’s middle-of-the-road approach is not helpful in fighting the gun lobby, one of the most powerful special interests in American politics. 'The only way to effectively take on the gun lobby is to stand firm, not waver, and make no apologies,' said Sen. Frank Lautenberg. 'That’s how I won my victories against the (National Rifle Association), Big Tobacco and other special interests.'"