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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A Republican senator wants residents to be able to carry a gun openly.

Sen. Kevin Bryant of Anderson introduced legislation Tuesday revising the state's concealed carry law, saying the Second Amendment doesn't use the words concealed permit.

His introduction at the podium prompted a back-and-forth with a fellow Republican.

Retired law enforcement officer Jake Knotts says the law requires weapons to be concealed so criminals won't know who is packing. Knotts says otherwise, robbers just have to wait for someone to walk by without a visible gun.

Bryant says he encourages all vulnerable constituents, especially senior citizens, to arm themselves. Knotts shot back that some people are afraid of guns or don't know how to use them, and Bryant's bill would make them more likely to be a victim.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)