During his first term as New Mexico's governor, Bill Richardson backed legislation allowing residents to carry concealed weapons. When it became law in 2003, Richardson applied for a permit himself. Although he has said he seldom packs heat, the move was symbolic of a politician who has been largely supportive of gun owners' rights.

It also separates Richardson from the other Democrats running for president, who tend to favor more stringent regulation of firearms. Richardson's track record in Congress and in Santa Fe has earned him accolades from the National Rifle Association, which endorsed his reelection as governor last year. In September, he was the only Democratic presidential candidate to address a convention organized by the NRA to promote Second Amendment rights.

"This position doesn't always make me the most popular guy in the room with certain audiences," he said via telecast at the convention. "But the reality is that New Mexico has an age-old history of hunting, sportsmanship and other lawful shooting activities. It also has a proud history of defending the nation and its Constitution."

Campaigning in New Hampshire, Richardson neither flaunts nor hides his gun record, often framing it as a function of leading a Western state. Primary watchers say Richardson's support for firearms won't make or break his campaign: Democrats worry more about the war in Iraq than who can carry a gun, and voters who do screen candidates with the Second Amendment in mind are likely to pick a Republican. But Richardson's gun-toting ways are part of the laid-back, swashbuckling persona that some suspect is fueling his rise in recent polls.

"He does a really neat balancing act of the cowboy swagger of a Western state governor and somebody who's kind of a policy wonk," said Wayne Lesperance, associate professor of political science at New England College. "It does play well for him. It's part of why he's moving up."

Richardson tends to talk about guns in the context of hunting, but he says he supports the broader right to bear arms laid out in the Second Amendment. During his 15 years representing New Mexico in Congress, Richardson lobbied on behalf of gun owners - with one major exception. In 1994, he voted for a crime bill that included a ban on assault weapons. He later voted to repeal the ban.

Richardson also favors instant background checks and limits on who can own firearms, as well as programs that reduce poverty and mental illness, two things he says can contribute to gun-related violence.

"We can and must work together to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill," he said at the NRA's September conference. "We must work diligently to enforce existing laws and improve communications among law enforcement agencies. If we do, we will crack down on the real criminals. Then there will be less pressure on law-abiding citizens like you and me who wish to own guns for protection, hunting or other recreation."

Still, the concept of a Democratic candidate with a concealed weapon permit makes for interesting conversation, especially if you're poking around Riley's Sport Shop in Hooksett. The crowd on Friday included gun owners of all stripes: Those who hunt, those who want to protect themselves, and those who carry out of philosophical allegiance to the Second Amendment.

Overall, the place exudes a Republican vibe. Signs include an "Anyone but Hillary" sticker on the side of the register and a giant Ron Paul banner out front. But spend a few minutes talking to staff and regulars and you'll discover that gun regulation is complex and often transcends party lines.

"In the West, they stop you and ask you what's wrong if you don't have a gun in the back of your pickup," said Denver Woodcock, who's been working at the shop for 25 years. Like many of his colleagues, Woodcock votes Republican and worries that a Democrat in the White House would mean more restrictions and more paperwork for shops like Riley's.

Richardson "isn't a bad guy," Woodcock said. "If I could control the Democratic nomination process, I would nominate him."

Remember the above mentioned "Anyone but Hillary" sticker? That's Matt Holmes's mantra this year. He's convinced she'll win the Democratic nomination, so his mission is to select the Republican who can beat her. That said, he had firsthand experience with New Mexico's concealed weapon's law on a recent visit to his mom.

"Honestly, as far as many of the Democratic candidates go, (Richardson) is the only one who has a clue," said Holmes, who lives in Allenstown and works at the shop. "Unfortunately, I don't think Richardson is going to get the nomination, so we won't have to worry about that hypothetical."

Riley's had at least one customer on Friday who does plan to take a ballot bearing Richardson's name in January. Bill Lowman says he loves guns but isn't "your classic gun guy." Lowman, of Hollis, grew up in a Republican household, but he said he tends to vote for Democrats. This year, he's supporting Barack Obama, because he believes he's smart and unconstrained by special interest groups.

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