The Republican challenger running for the 5th Congressional District seat has released a statement in response to a Connecticut judge dismissing the wrongful death lawsuit filed by some Newtown families against Remington Arms.  Clay Cope says while he is still deeply saddened by the terrible loss of life at Sandy Hook, he applauds the court ruling.  Cope says the manufacturer of the firearm is not responsible for the horrific killings.

Cope says it's long past time to stop demonizing firearms and the law-abiding citizens who, while exercising their Constitutional rights protected by the 2nd Amendment, use firearms responsibly for protection of self or loved ones or for recreation.

He called on incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Esty to instead, advocate like he is, for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic mental health services.  He says that is the best path to stopping mass killings.