Editor's note: This is the first in an ongoing series of Q&As with candidates for Indiana's 8th District Congressional seat. You can find the first Q&A here , the second one here and the third one here .
With Rep. Larry Bucshon not seeking re-election, the 8th District Congressional seat in Indiana will have a new occupant for the first time in more than a decade.
The candidates are: Republican Mark Messmer, a Jasper-based former state senator ; Democrat Erik Hurt , an Evansville resident; and Libertarian Party nominee Richard Fitzlaff of Terre Haute.
The Courier & Press asked them a series of questions about issues and policy. Here is the fourth set of responses.
What do you propose should be done about gun violence in schools?
Mark Messmer: The majority of school gun violence comes from individuals already known to law enforcement, and we already have laws to address many of these issues. Instead of adding more laws, we need to focus on enforcing the ones we have and improving coordination between schools, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to prevent these tragedies. I supported the state policy that has provided safety grants to schools that encouraged keeping public safety officers in schools as a very effective deterrent to school gun violence.
Richard FItzlaff: We need to address the root causes of gun violence among our youth. The mental health crisis, the lack of strong community support and infrastructure at our schools such as metal detectors and automatic door locks.
Erik Hurt: We need common-sense gun regulation. We need an assault weapon ban, we need gun storage laws, and we need universal background checks.
What is the prescription for lowering the temperature of political polarization in this country?
Mark Messmer: The rise of political echo chambers and a 24-hour one-sided news media has fueled this division. Every Republican nominee since Nixon has been unfairly framed as a candidate of hate, while political violence from the left is often excused or ignored. (Recently), there was another attempt on President Trump’s life, and much of the media shrugged, implying he’s "asking for it." This double standard only deepens division. We need a commitment from all sides to condemn political violence and reject rhetoric that dehumanizes opponents, not just when it’s convenient for their narrative. I have worked hard to create bipartisan working relationships in the General Assembly and will continue the same in Washington if elected.
Richard Fitzlaff: We can begin softening the divide by understanding that while we may have many differences from those around us, we can also find opportunities for common ground with our neighbors either next door or across the aisle.
Erik Hurt: I think holding outlets that spread blatant misinformation designed to stoke outrage and polarization accountable is an important step. We saw this with the $1.5 billion lawsuit against Alex Jones and his lies about the Sandy Hook shooting. That kind of misinformation is dangerous and stokes fear and hate. By holding people accountable for spreading lies we can unite behind the truth.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Q&A: We asked 8th District candidates about gun violence, political polarization
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