ANDERSON, Alabama - So far, the public reaction to a publicity photo of Senate District 1 candidate Jonathan Berryhill, a Repulican, with his wife and six children holding guns has been positive, his media director Trey Edwards said.

The photo was featured on a flier mailed to residents in the district, which covers from Lauderdale County into Madison County.

Under the heading "Pro-Gun," the flier quotes Berryhill: "I will fight for the right of every law-abiding citizen to defend themselves and their families and property as they see fit."

All but one of the children, a boy who has his hands behind his back, are shown holding rifles, two of which are pellet guns, and the youngest has a cap gun.

"All the response so far has been completely positive," Edwards said. Berryhill posted a copy of the photo on his campaign Facebook page this morning.

Berryhill has long been an advocate of teaching his children gun safety and to defend themselves, Edwards said. Read Berryhill's comments that were made leter in the afternoon here.

The photo of the Berryhill family with guns was featured on a flier mailed to residents in the district, which covers from Lauderdale County into Madison County. (Contributed by Jonathan Berryhbill campaign)

"If you ask Jonathan why he did it, he'll say that's who is. He's a veteran, a farmer and a former law officer," Edwards said. "He wanted to make sure his kids are equipped to protect themselves and their property."

Berryhill outlined his platform here.