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Columbia, SC (WACH) -- The latest round in the gun control debates is being fueled by New York Representative Charles Rangel.

The Democrat appeared on MSNBC last week. When asked about New York's tight gun restriction's possibly being a model for the rest of the nation, he had some strong words.

"New York is a little different and more progressive in a lot of areas than some other states," Rangel said. "Some of the southern areas have cultures that we have to overcome."

The comment is not sitting well with lawmakers at the State house, like Anderson Co. Senator Kevin Bryant.

"I'm disappointed the state of New York is assaulting the second amendment rights of our friends who live in New York," Bryant said. "The second amendment was there to give us the right to arm ourselves; to protect ourselves."

Bryant blames recent shootings on people suffering from mental health, and violence on t.v.

" do not know what he meant by 'We need to overcome southern culture. But he does not understand us very well. Statistically, you see where the tighter the gun controls, a lot of times that is where criminals go; and where crimes are committed."

Bryant is not alone. South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy also shot back by mentioning the region's devotion to service and country thanks to the second amendment.

Texas Representative Ted Poe said New Yorkers should not tell southerners whether or not to have guns.

Bamberg County Representative Bakari Sellers, a democrat, admits minor changes need to be made. But he also thinks tighter gun restrictions is not the answer.

"I'm comfortable where we are. In New York, the prohibitions on honest, responsible gun users is not something I believe we should implement here."

Bryant hopes to reach a mutual understanding.

"I'd be more than happy to invite Rangel to South Carolina. We can have a bowl of grits; and we'll even go outside and he can shoot my wife's AR-15."

An invitation Bryant hopes will be accepted.