2020 Gun Owners of Vermont Candidate Report
PHIL SCOTT
2nd Amendment Stance: ANTI-GUN
District: State (gov)
Contest: GOVERNOR (incumbent)
Party: REPUBLICAN

2016 Gun Owners of Vermont Firearm Questionnaire
(Click Score to View Responses) 95%
Additional Comments: 2020: Phil vetoed S.169
2018: Phil set Vermont back two-centuries by bowing to Bloomberg pressure (or was that SUPPORT?). S.55 was targeted solely at LAW-ABIDING VERMONT GUN OWNERS!
2016: Phil attended the August Orange County Gun Owners of Vermont meeting and gave an excellent presentation (of lies!).
2016: Phil Scott for Vermont
Thanks, Erik. Phil's position is clear: He does not support any changes to Vermont's gun laws. Anything you can do to spread the word is greatly appreciated.
2015: Scott says he's outraged by the Colorado Springs massacre, which killed three and injured nine. He refers to it as "an act of some sort of domestic terrorism committed by someone with severe mental health issues." But Scott says it and other recent mass shootings, from South Carolina to Vermont, have not changed his views about his home state's gun laws, which are frequently described as the most permissive in the nation.
"No, I still support the Second Amendment, and I don't believe we need to change our gun laws in Vermont," the Berlin Republican says. "But I do think that we need to continue to identify and try to help those with severe mental health issues."
2013: "Subject: Regulation of guns in Vermont
Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 11:04:21 -0400
From: Scott, Phil
To: Bonnie DePino
Dear Bonnie:
Thank you for contacting me to share your views on the regulation of guns in Vermont. I received more correspondence on this issue – from both sides -- than I have on any other matter throughout my three years so far serving as Lieutenant Governor. So it’s clear Vermonters have very strong views on the issue, and I’m glad to hear from you.
As you know, a few bills have been introduced in the Vermont Legislature that would put additional restrictions on the purchase and ownership of firearms in Vermont. To date, none of those proposals have advanced, but could still be taken up in the second half of the biennium in 2014.
For the record, I support the Constitutionally-protected right of Americans to keep and bear arms. I am deeply troubled by the recent shootings in Aurora, Virginia Tech, and especially Newtown – as are many of you. It can be tempting to draw the conclusion, based on those events, that incidents of gun-related violence are increasing, but data indicates that gun-related homicides have actually declined by 49% since 1993. (See the PEW Research study released May 7, 2013:
http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/05/07/gun-homicide-rate-down-49-since-1993-peak-public-unaware/
As much as we all want to “do something” to protect innocent people (and particularly children), I don’t believe restricting guns is the answer. After all, many incidents of violence don’t involve guns at all. (I’m thinking of the attack on a Texas community college campus this spring, in which the weapon of choice was a box-cutter, and the Boston Marathon bombing, in which the attackers used fireworks and a pressure-cooker.)
It’s not to say guns are not used in senseless acts, and in some ways it might be easier if the answer to stopping violent crime were as simple as banning guns. However, I think the underlying issues are much more complex, and have their roots in our education system, mental health system, entertainment industry, and the multitude of pressures facing families today.
I appreciate all of the input I received on this issue, and I encourage you to keep in touch.
Phil Scott

Mailing Address:
PO BOX 988
MONTPELIER, VT 05601
Phone Number: (802) 522-8194
Send Email to PHIL SCOTT: PHIL@PHILSCOTT.ORG
Click Here for Website


Candidate's Actions on Gun Control Bills:

2021-2022 Gun Bills:
Bill #4: 2022: SIGNED S.4 (BAD): An act relating to procedures involving firearms
https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/S.4

2017-2018 Gun Bills:
Bill #3: 2018: SIGNED H.422 (Act 92) into law.
http://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/H.422
Bill #2: 2018 SIGNED S.55 into law (Act 94) targeting LAW-ABIDING Citizens.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/S.55
Bill #1: 2018: SIGNED S.221 (Act 97) (BAD) An act relating to establishing extreme risk protection orders.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/S.221



Articles On Candidate's Stance and Actions on Gun Control:
Source #30: 7/30/2020: VTDigger Dividing lines: Where candidates for the top two offices stand on the issues
"— Believes the state should give reforms enacted in 2018 time to work."

https://vtdigger.org/2020/07/30/dividing-lines-where-candidates-for-the-top-two-offices-stand-on-the-issues/
Source #29: 7/4/2020: "Scott has infuriated conservatives in Vermont. He supports legal abortion. He also flip flopped on gun control in early 2018, after running as a supporter of gun rights in 2016. Vermont has traditionally been one of the most gun-friendly states in the country, but in the early spring of 2018, with the governor’s support, the state legislature approved unprecedented gun control measures."
"Scott is one of the most anti-Trump Republican officials in the country."

https://newbostonpost.com/around-new-england/vermont-governor-phil-scott-to-face-four-republican-primary-challengers/
Source #28: 8/3/18: Scott disputed Stern’s characterization of S.55. “We didn’t take any gun rights away from any individuals with the legislation that we put forward,” the governor said.
http://truenorthreports.com/gov-scott-goes-wishy-washy-on-gun-magazine-ban-he-enacted#comment-403444
Source #27: 7/25/18: VIDEO: Keith Stern and Phil Scott on gun regulation.
"Gun Safety Measures."
He sounds like the Bloomberg mouthpiece he is.

https://youtu.be/l8NuSFx9eYA?t=26m21s
Source #26: 7/24/18: "Pot and Politics"
Phil Scott talks about his gubernatorial campaign and his "commonsense" candidates and (at 1:18:00) needs to get "commonsense laws passed…"

http://wdevradio.com/pot-politics/
Source #25: 4/11/2018: Governor Phil Scott Signs Vermont Extreme Risk Protection Order Act into Law
https://www.csgv.org/vermont-erpo-signing-statement/
Source #24: 4/30/18: Scott faces gun rights protesters statewide
“Discussions around these measures have been difficult, emotional and complex,” Scott told the crowd. “I know I may lose some support, but the alternative was to do nothing. If we don’t try to reduce the possibility of a tragedy, if we don’t try to prevent another death, in my mind, we would have failed Vermonters.”

https://vtdigger.org/2018/04/30/scott-faces-gun-rights-protesters-statewide/
Source #23: 4/11/18: “I want to be absolutely clear: I believe these measures will make a difference, and I firmly believe each and every one of them is consistent with both the United States and Vermont constitutions.

“I took an oath to uphold those documents — an oath I take very seriously. If I thought anything in this legislation limited Vermonters’ rights, I would not sign it.”
LIAR. Plain and simple.

http://truenorthreports.com/tensions-boil-over-as-scott-imposes-gun-control-on-law-abiding-vermonters
Source #22: 2/26/18: “I want to make it virtually impossible for anyone who has mental issues to use a gun,” Scott, who previously had a strong NRA [National Rifle Association] rating, told reporters. “I want to make it virtually impossible for anyone who is a danger to themselves or others to use a gun.”
“I thought, ‘I have to do whatever I can to protect Vermont. I have a huge responsibility in terms of creating a safe environment,’” Scott told Vox. “And I have asked myself, ‘Am I doing that?’”

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/2/26/17049442/republican-democratic-governors-states-gun-control
Source #21: 4/11/18: VIDEO: Vermont governor signs sweeping gun legislation
https://youtu.be/sr5T-QdHHrw
Source #20: 4/11/18: Scott hears calls of betrayal and thanks as he signs gun bills.
“Many who voted for me are disappointed and angry. I understand I may lose support over my decision to sign these bills today, but those are consequences I’m prepared to live with,” he said.

https://vtdigger.org/2018/04/11/gun-rights-activists-yell-traitor-scott-signs-sweeping-gun-legislation-law/
Source #19: 2/22/18: VIDEO - Phil Scott begins his ANTI-GUN rampage in Vermont. S221, H.422, H.675, H.876, raise age to 21, Background Check Reporting…
https://youtu.be/ss7WrhVqOEc
Source #18: 6/25/2018: "Scott’s approval rating topples after signing gun control bills"
https://vtdigger.org/2018/07/25/scotts-approval-rating-topples-signing-gun-control-bills/
Source #17: 2/22/2018: nPhil Scott and his infamous GUN CONTROL Press Conferrence.
The beginning of the end of gun rights in Vermont.
It took a RINO to destroy Vermont's freedoms. NO Democrat EVER did as much damage to Vermont as Phil!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss7WrhVqOEc
Source #16: 10/4/17: Following another mass shooting -- this one claiming at least 59 lives including one Vermonter -- Gov. Phil Scott says Congress should hold hearings on gun violence and discuss changes to gun laws.
"Everything should be on the table," Scott said.
He said he opposes any changes to Vermont gun laws.

http://www.mynbc5.com/article/gov-scott-says-u-s-has-big-anger-problem/12775761
Source #15: 10/3/17: Governor Phil Scott: "What happened in Las Vegas is a senseless, horrific tragedy and our entire state, and nation, feels a deep sense of sorrow for the many innocent lives lost and irrevocable damage inflicted on hundreds more. As we mourn, and as we move forward, let's unite together around the memory of those who were murdered, in support of those who were injured, and in solidarity with the people who love them."
Scott said Tuesday that he had spoken to Casey's family in Dorset to relay his condolences on behalf of the people of Vermont.

http://www.vermontbiz.com/news/2017/october/03/vermont-reaction-las-vegas-shootings
Source #14: 10/3/17: Right now, Vermonters are legally allowed to purchase and possess rifles, shotguns and handguns without a permit. It is also legal to possess, purchase, or sell a machine gun that is registered. There are also no permits necessary to carry a concealed weapon.
"I don't believe our gun laws should change here in Vermont but obviously there is some pressure on the national level to do so,” said Governor Phil Scott, R- Vermont.
Scott says the focus in Vermont needs to be more on safety and gun education, but with Sunday's tragedy, the largest mass shooting in recent US history some lawmakers say the time for change is now.

http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/gun-debate-reignited-nationwide-where-the-conversation-stands-in-vermont/824525491
Source #13: 11/12/16: "Scott also reiterated his promise to veto a carbon tax or any bill that expanded gun purchase background checks, a signature issue his opponent, Sue Minter, and a legislative priority for Democrats in the Senate."
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2016/11/12/phil-scott-looks-ahead-education-health-care/93598450/
Source #12: 9/21/16: "Where Minter, Scott stand on gun control"
"Scott's platform is simple: he thinks Vermont doesn't need any new gun laws. He says he'd veto new gun laws unless they expanded funding for firearm training."

http://www.wcax.com/story/33148688/where-minter-scott-stand-on-gun-control
Source #11: 9/8/2016: VIDEO: Phil Scott is the only candidate for Governor who believes Vermont’s gun laws are okay the way they are. Phil's opponent says it’s her top priority to change them. Support Phil Scott for Governor to defend our rights.
https://www.facebook.com/PhilScottforVermont/videos/p.10154125934943229/10154125934943229/?type=2&theater
Source #10: 8/9/2016: Vermont faces two different futures following primary election
"Scott, a native Vermonter with lengthy experience in business and government, is advocating for strong economic development, even if it means turning away from costly green power initiatives. He also pledged to defend Vermonters against Democrat-led gun-control initiatives."

http://watchdog.org/272964/vermont-faces-two-different-futures-following-primary-election/
Source #9: 8/4/2016: Phil Scott makes pro-gun stand at veterans hall in Vermont
http://watchdog.org/272547/phil-scott-makes-pro-gun-stand-in-barre/
Source #8: 6/30/2016: Vermont gubernatorial hopefuls debate energy siting and guns
Scott and Lisman were quick to offer strong support for the Second Amendment, affirming that they oppose new restrictions on gun rights.

http://watchdog.org/269532/gubernatorial-candidates-debate-guns-energy-siting/
Source #7: 6/22/2016: "I don’t believe that we need more gun restrictions in Vermont at this time. I think we should enforce the ones we have. I think we should focus more on safety and gun education, but also addressing the violence problem that is systemic across the country – and I don't have the answers for that, but that's what's driving this frustration, this outrage. And it's alarming, the horrific acts are alarming. But from my standpoint, I don't believe we need to change our gun laws in Vermont ... [A background check requirement on private gun sales] is not something I would support."
http://digital.vpr.net/post/4-issues-candidate-phil-scott-guns-taxes-marijuana-and-health-care#-#stream/0#stream/0
Source #6: 6/13/2016: VT Digger: On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Phil Scott provided a statement saying he “will always put public safety first and welcome discussions on how to reduce violence.” But Scott said he does not favor new restrictions on guns.
“Current gun control laws in Vermont strike an important balance between our rights as American citizens and public safety, and I would not support any further restrictions,” Scott told the Vermont Press Bureau.

http://www.vermontpressbureau.com/2016/06/13/galbraith-calls-for-universal-background-checks-ban-of-assault-style-weapons/
Source #5: Scott and Brown said they do not support any new gun laws.
http://vtdigger.org/2014/10/14/differences-emerge-lieutenant-governor-debate/
Source #4: Phil Scott opposes new laws: 'I think we should enforce the laws the way they are.'
http://vtdigger.org/compare/issues-lieutenant-governor/
Source #3: 2015: Like all three of his opponents, Scott says he's outraged by the Colorado Springs massacre, which killed three and injured nine. He refers to it as "an act of some sort of domestic terrorism committed by someone with severe mental health issues." But Scott says it and other recent mass shootings, from South Carolina to Vermont, have not changed his views about his home state's gun laws, which are frequently described as the most permissive in the nation.
"No, I still support the Second Amendment, and I don't believe we need to change our gun laws in Vermont," the Berlin Republican says. "But I do think that we need to continue to identify and try to help those with severe mental health issues."

http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/gun-shy-vermont-pols-united-on-abortion-divided-on-firearms/Content?oid=3041861
Source #2: 12/10/2015: “I’m not advocating or proposing any changes to Vermont’s gun laws.”
“We already have universal background checks. I’ve been through them myself. As a Vermont boy myself, trading one (weapon) off with my neighbor or a family member is a right I think we should have,” Scott continued. “Vermont has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, and I think we are searching for an answer for a problem that doesn’t exist.”

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20151210/NEWS03/151219995/0/SS?template=printart
Source #1: 12/4/2016: Republican candidate Phil Scott, the lieutenant governor, said [he doesn't] support such measures (requiring that those who buy firearms in private sales and at gun shows undergo the same background checks as do those buying such weapons at gun stores).
http://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2015/12/04/gun-groups-expect-vigorous-debate-in-vermont-elections

Copyright 2022 Gun Owners of Vermont
Last Updated: 11/06/2022
Return to the Gun Owners of Vermont homepage