George,

Mark Warner's courting of the NRA sends a dangerously confusing lesson to the electorate. If each of the Democratic statewide candidates has a different position on guns -- which seems to be the case -- then we can be sure that it will be the Republicans who define the Democratic position on guns.

I disagree with Terri DiCintio; a candidate who hides from a tough decision in a campaign is very unlikely to take to the legislative battle the political capital (i.e., demonstrated public support) needed to change the current situation.

There are cohesive positions the Democratic slate could take on gun issues that do not limit lawful rights, yet that could dramatically reduce gun violence. Hiding from the issue is not one of them.

Al Weed (electronic mail, July 24, 2001).