As a member of the House of Delegates and as Attorney General, Bob McDonnell has been an advocate for Virginia’s sportsmen.  Bob believes that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitutions clearly states that every law abiding citizen should have the right to own a firearm and that it is an individual right that must be protected.  He also understands how important it is that we preserve the proud heritage of Virginia’s sportsmen and to ensure that we continue to pass on all of our hunting and fishing traditions. 

As Attorney General, Bob filed an amicus brief in support of the individual right to bear arms in the case of Heller v. District of Columbia, which challenged the District of Columbia’s outright ban on personal handgun ownership. He was a vocal and active supporter of this position, and said the following when the Supreme Court ruled against the District’s ban: “I am pleased by today’s historic decision. The Court has recognized that the Second Amendment clearly protects the individual right to keep and bear arms. This basic right was so important to our Founders that they recognized it in the Bill of Rights. It is a fundamental individual right that government must respect and protect.”

As governor, Bob will continue to defend the constitutional rights of Virginians to keep and bear arms.