WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, the state's lone Democrat delegate in Washington, has been named vice-chair of the Congressional Gun Violence Task Force. Thompson will have considerable influence in recommendations on the issue of reducing gun violence in America, an issue that he acknowledges will be contentious.

Thompson said on his website that he is an avid outdoorsman and is a gun owner.

I clearly understand the passion of advocates on both sides of gun control issue”, said Thompson. “There is little doubt that this debate will be contentious; however, I implore my colleagues to engage in meaningful discussions and ignore the usual political pandering.”

Thompson did not get specific on how he may vote on issues like the expected "assault weapons" ban, or the expected proposal on banning certain high-capacity magazines and some kinds of ammo. He also did not address the expectation that President Obama may bypass Congress and use executive orders to enact some gun control rules.

“From schools in Connecticut to communities in Mississippi, we cannot continue to sit idly by while the number of deaths continues to mount. Sadly, Mississippi ranks third in the nation per capita for the number of gun murders committed per year but the real outrage is that we have the ability to help end gun violence but appear to lack the will.”

This is from Thompson's website:

Over the next several weeks the task force will hold a number of meetings and hearings designed to identify the best policies to reduce and prevent gun violence. The task force will meet with and hear from law enforcement officers, gun owners, sportsmen groups, gun manufactures, gun retailers, mental health experts, gun violence prevention groups, members of the entertainment industry, education organizations and other relevant stakeholders.

A comprehensive set of policy proposals will be released by the task force in early February.