New Dean ad (produced pre-Pittsburgh) takes on mass shootings

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Karl Dean discusses mass shootings and his opposition to arming teachers and getting rid of permit requirements to carry handguns in public. The ad was filmed before the fatal shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, which the campaign said illustrated once again how “families and communities can be shattered by senseless gun violence.”

“After every mass shooting, my thoughts go to my kids and my wife, Anne, and how devastating this would be for any family,” Dean says in the ad. He goes on to say:

I’m Karl Dean, and we can respect the right to bear arms while protecting our families. But Bill Lee supports concealed carry without a permit, making it hard to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill, and he’d let teachers bring guns into the classroom. I’m against permitless carry and arming teachers. It’s a real difference with life-changing consequences.

Here’s the full release from the Dean campaign:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Gubernatorial candidate Karl Dean will start airing a TV ad Tuesday that addresses his common sense approach to gun safety solutions to prevent mass shooting tragedies.

Titled “My Thoughts,” the ad compares Dean’s position with opponent Bill Lee’s views, making the choice clear for voters in the upcoming Nov. 6 election.

“After every mass shooting, my thoughts go to my kids and my wife, Anne, and how devastating this would be for any family,” Dean says in the 30-second ad. “I’m Karl Dean, and we can respect the right to bear arms while protecting our families. But Bill Lee supports concealed carry without a permit, making it hard to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill, and he’d let teachers bring guns into the classroom. I’m against permitless carry and arming teachers. It’s a real difference with life-changing consequences.”

In light of mass shootings in schools, churches, restaurants and movie theaters across the country, Karl Dean is taking a stance on how to prevent future mass tragedies in Tennessee.
The mass shooting Saturday at a Pittsburgh synagogue, which occurred after the ad was produced, shows once again how lives, families and communities can be shattered by senseless gun violence.

After Saturday’s shooting Dean said, “I am praying for those affected by the tragedy in Pittsburgh and grateful for the first responders who put their lives on the line to respond. Senseless gun violence anywhere is heartbreaking but we should not have to worry about our safety at a place of worship.”
Karl Dean has been focused on solutions for healthcare, public education and job creation. He is now the only candidate stepping up to talk about common sense gun safety solutions while respecting the right to bear arms.

Dean, who is a licensed gun owner himself, supports the permitting process and strengthening background checks to keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous people. He also supports investing in our public schools to give them the resources they need for school resource officers, trained law enforcement and other necessary safety precautions.

Lee, on the other hand, is in favor of permit-less carry and arming teachers, both of which would make our communities less safe.

“Permit-less carry makes it incredibly hard for law enforcement to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals, and studies show it would dramatically increase the number of domestic-related homicides,” Dean said. “There is nothing wrong with the permitting process. I have a permit and am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, but there are things we can do to keep our families safe if we elect a common sense leader.”

The Karl Dean for Governor campaign plans on airing “My Thoughts” in conjunction with the previously released “Would You Want” ad throughout the duration of the campaign. Early voting continues through Thursday.