Assault Weapons Spark Flip-Flop, Fall Match-up Talk in Omaha House Race

Omaha, NE.—Don't tell former Congressman Brad Ashford his latest position on assault weapons—following the latest mass killing at a Florida high school he now wants to ban them—is a politically risky flip-flop. As he runs to get his old job back, Ashford tells News Channel Nebraska banning the high powered rifles is a "very good thing to do." At a debate during his 2016 re-election campaign—which he lost to Republican Don Bacon— Ashford said, "I don't think we should ban assault weapons." [caption id="attachment_1394430" align="alignleft" width="300"] Brad Ashford            Kara Eastman[/caption] Last fall following the nation’s worst mass shooting—59 dead and 527 injured in Las Vegas—Ashford moved the goal posts: “I support working with law enforcement to develop a list of assault weapons that should not be sold here,” he posted on Facebook. “For my 18 years as a legislator I have supported responsible gun violence legislation. I will continue to do so. It is irresponsible to ignore the harm that is in plain sight.” That move found Bacon complaining that voters can't trust Ashford who he recently labeled a "disingenuous liberal," during an interview with News Channel Nebraska. [caption id="attachment_1394435" align="alignright" width="183"] Rep. Don Bacon (R)[/caption] "Brad's got his finger in the air on every issue. He's a two-time Republican, two-time Democrat, one-time independent," said Bacon. According to Ashford, his pro-assault weapon statement from two years ago and his position now are not at odds.

NCN: During the 2016 debate you said assault weapons should not be banned. Your critics will argue this is a major flip-flop.

Ashford: I thought the ban was simply out of reach legislatively. Banging our head against the wall and getting nowhere...I have changed my mind. I now believe an assault weapon bill can pass. The students and the data are way to compelling to ignore. If this is a flip-flop it is a very good thing to do and I can embrace it.

Kara Eastman, who is running against Ashford in the May Democratic Primary says, "Weapons of war, such as the AR15, have one purpose, and one purpose only—to kill, quickly and effectively....These weapons belong on the battlefield, not in our communities." According to Bacon, "Assault weapons used by the military are heavily regulated and not readily available for citizens. I oppose banning semi-automatic weapons." As for Eastman's politics Bacon says while he doesn't agree with her, he likes Eastman's sincerity and respects her principles.

NCN: Who do you want to run against?

Bacon: I have mixed feelings. She will attract the base, the energy. I think Brad has better name I-D, more access to establishment money. I would tell you the experts are split.

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