8 Surprisingly Pro-Gun Democrats

Given the anti-gun positions of many within the Democratic elite, it's easy to forget that there are plenty of strongly pro-gun Democrats, men and women who actually hunt, shoot and defend those rights.

Indeed, the language of the 2012 Democratic Platform essentially says, "We support the Second Amendment, but …" while the Republican Platform offers a clear, uncompromising defense of gun rights.

However, while there are without question more pro-gun Republicans than Democrats, the contributions by Democrats to the pro-gun cause cannot be ignored. On issues that are voted upon along party lines, legislation is rarely passed without several politicians crossing the aisle. Without pro-gun Democrats, could concealed carry laws, castle doctrine, national park carry and other recent victories have swept the country?

And, by voting for Democrats who justify it, do we not enhance our credibility as pro-gun voters? Certainly, this is a strategy employed by the National Rifle Association. While NRA critics jab that the "R" stands for "Republican", rarely does one receive a list of NRA-endorsed candidates that doesn't include at least one Democrat, usually it's a few. By supporting pro-gun allies within both parties, the NRA and gun-rights voters earn their trust. It sends politicians the message that if they support us, we'll support them regardless of political affiliations.

Here are a few notable Democrats who take part in the shooting sports. Special thanks for help in compiling this list goes to our friends at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, a non-profit organization that works with Congress, governors and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, recreational shooting, fishing and trapping.