All about guns, legislation and politics in New York
“… The Court’s decision today and its decision in 2008 in District of Columbia v. Heller both make clear that we can work to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and terrorists while at the same time respecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. That’s what New York City has always done. And, I will continue to collaborate with mayors across the country to pursue common-sense, constitutional approaches to protecting public safety …”
He’s in denial.
Gun rights have prevailed!
SCOTUS has ruled the 2nd Amendment has been incorporated to the states in the McDonald v. Chicago case. Years from now this will be looked upon as one of the great civil rights victories.
Here is a link to the decision.
I’m hearing Eric Schneiderman is still trying to bring back S-6005A. I don’t think any votes have changed, but people still need to keep calling the Senate. We’re at the point in the session where a lot of stupid stuff goes on, backroom deals, etc. and we need to be careful it doesn’t slip through.
The NRA Blog give us some belatted coverage of the annual meeting, “New York State Association hosts 2010 Annual Meeting, 3-Gun Experience.”
An internal memo shows Joe DioGuardi leading his GOP rivials in a matchup against Kirsten Gillibrand. He is trying to petition his way into the Republican primary as he did not receive enough support for an automatic ballot slot at their convention a few weeks back. He was at the Westchester gun show over the weekend collecting petition signatures. George Marlin offers some good commentary on the Republican convention follies over at Street Corner Conservative.
Meanwhile, some conservatives are not happy Rick Lazio has not taken a stand on gun issues. Perhaps they should have thought of that before giving him their endorsement.
The Supreme Court will issue its ruling in McDonald v. Chicago either tomorrow or Monday. Follow it at SCOTUSblog.
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is still trying to intimidate Senator Martin Golden. Here’s the second flyer they’re handing out.
Gun shows are back in Westchester at the County Center.
It was a bit hit yesterday with lines out the door and around the building. There were more women and parents with baby strollers than I’d seen at shows before. There was plenty of ammo for sale by the case. NYSRPA and WCFOA had tables, but there was no NRA recruiter. I saw reporters from Ch. 2 and News 12.
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is trying to intimidate Senator Martin Golden and get him to vote for the microstamping bill. They’re handing out this flyer in his district.
Senator Tom Libous was on NRANews with Ginny Simone this afternoon talking about the microstamping bill.
Here’s our press release on microstamping:
“The State Senate’s refusal to act upon a useless and purely politically correct bill on Tuesday was a victory for all New Yorkers. Bill S-6005A would have prevented honest citizens from exercising their right to own handguns for self-defense. The Senators who spoke in favor of passage demonstrated their complete lack of common sense and utter contempt for our civil rights. Even more disgraceful was Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s shameless attempts to buy passage of this legislation with the implied promise of providing financial support to the re-election campaigns of Senators who support the bill. The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association thanks Senator Dean Skelos and his conference for doing the right thing and not supporting this bill, along with Senators William Stachowski, Darrel Aubertine and David Valesky for putting principle above party politics and voting against S-6005A.”
Aubertine sent out his own press statement yesterday:
“New York State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine today said the lack of votes for proposed microstamping legislation on the Senate floor is a victory for Upstate New York, law abiding gun owners and our economy. He stood with fellow gun owners and sportsmen in voting against legislation to require new semi-automatic pistols to have micro-stamping technology that marks ammunition …”
Liz Benjamin brings up the topic of Bloomberg’s attempts to influence votes:
“The near-defeat of the microstamping bill yesterday may very well signal the end of the long – and lucrative- relationship between Mayor Bloomberg and the Senate Republicans in a crucial election year when the minority can ill-afford to lose the billionaire mayor’s financial support … [Senator Tom] Libous privately argued to members of his conference that Bloomberg, who has contributed $1.2 million to the Senate GOP since 2003, is unlikely to continue his support given the close split in the chamber and should therefore not be put ahead of the gun lobby, which not only has deep pockets, but also passionate grassroots advocates in crucial upstate districts …”
Bloomberg may have the cash, but he cannot deliver votes at election time.