“The problem is, just because you hold and take a picture of yourself with a firearm, doesn't mean you're a true believer.”

...................................................................................................................................................................
A love affair: Politicians and their guns
By Kolten Parker, February 3, 2014

Republican or Democrat, Texan or not, politicians often make an effort to be photographed with a firearm.

Last week, Wendy Davis, the likely Democratic nominee for [Texas] governor, posed with former Gov. Ann Richards' shotgun.

The likely Republican nominee for governor, Attorney General Greg Abbott, has posted photos of himself holding a .50 caliber rifle in his wheelchair.

Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a GOP candidate for lieutenant governor who is well-known for toting a pistol in his boot at the Capitol, said the firearm photo op is some what of a “litmus test” for freedom.

“If you believe in liberty and the Bill of Rights, you recognize those constitutionally enumerated rights, and among those rights, the most important are found in the Second and First Amendments,” Patterson said. “The problem is, just because you hold and take a picture of yourself with a firearm, doesn't mean you're a true believer.”

Patterson helped organize a pro-gun, open carry rally at the Alamo last year that drew hundreds of supporters who toted semi-automatic rifles and shotguns visibly.

[snipped]
...................................................................................................................................................................