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Asked whether the mass shooting should prompt a new review of gun laws, White House spokesman Jay Carney declines to comment beyond reiterating Obama's existing stance in support of "common-sense measures that protect Second Amendment rights of Americans, while ensuring that those who should not have guns under existing law do not get them." ___ ROMNEY 1994: In his unsuccessful challenge to liberal Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Romney sounds moderate on guns, supporting an assault weapons ban and insisting, "I don't line up with the NRA." 2002: Running for governor of Massachusetts, Romney says he supports and will protect the state's "tough gun laws." The NRA gives his Democratic opponent a higher rating on gun-rights issues and makes no endorsement in the race. 2003: As governor, Romney upsets gun owners by signing a law that quadruples the state's gun-licensing fee
-- from $25 to $100 -- as part of a widespread effort to eliminate the budget deficit. 2004: Romney signs a Massachusetts ban on assault weapons. He mollifies many gun rights advocates by coupling it with looser rules on gun licenses and an extension of the duration of licenses, reducing the effect of the earlier fee increase. 2005: Declares May 7 as "Right to Bear Arms Day" in Massachusetts. 2006: As he prepares for his first presidential run, Romney becomes a lifetime NRA member. 2007: While campaigning, Romney declares he sometimes hunts "small varmints"
-- a comment ridiculed by some as an awkward attempt to pander to pro-gun voters. 2008: In a Republican primary debate, Romney says he would have signed the federal assault weapons ban if it came to his desk as president, but he opposes any new gun legislation. 2011: Making his second presidential bid, Romney's campaigns on a promise to protect and promote the Second Amendment. 2012: Romney tells gun owners that Obama wants to erode their rights. "We need a president who will enforce current laws, not create new ones that only serve to burden lawful gun owners," Romney told the National Rifle Association's annual convention. "President Obama has not. I will." July 20: Like Obama, Romney avoids talking politics on the day of the Aurora shooting. He says Americans are coming together in their sorrow: "There is something we can do. We can offer comfort to someone near us who is suffering or heavy laden, and we can mourn with those who mourn in Colorado."
[Associated
Press;
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