Dumbest analysis on microstamping

On: By: admin

When it comes to microstamping, the antis mantra has been that it will help law enforcement solve crimes.  Assemblywoman Addie Russell has gone one step further, saying it will really save us money too:

“… [Russell] said the bill could be a money-saver for the state.  Instead of paying experts to spend hours studying spent shell casings, with the stamping measure, all that would be needed is a microscope …”

Good God, where do they come up with this nonsense?  Russell is a flaming antigunner, but just cannot come out and say it.  She attends the annual Sportsmen’s Caucus brunch with some other antis to give the illusion she’s pro-gun, but come voting time she earns her F rating.

Microstamping vote sheet

On: By: admin

The vote sheet for A-1157A has been posted.  It passed with 77 Yeas (not the 84 listed), the lowest number for any gun bill I can remember.  Shelly had to strong-arm people into voting for it.

Microstamping passes Assembly

On: By: admin

Microstamping bill A-1157A passed the Assembly today.  That’s not a surprise, although I was hoping for a bit more warning as I know they were having problems moving it through the lower house.

GOTV campaigns will decide CD-26

On: By: admin

Public Policy Polling released their survey showing Kathy Hochul six points ahead of Jane Corwin going into tomorrows special election.  PPP is a Democrat polling firm so their survey should be taken with a grain of salt.  Nevertheless, it does re-enforce the fact that the Republicans have not run a very good campaign.  NewsCopy offers commentary on that here.

Capitol Confidential has a breakdown of outside special interests putting money into the race, including NRA.  It’s going to come down to which side has the better GOTV campaign tomorrow.

CD-26 down to the wire

On: By: admin

Latest polling shows Jane Corwin and Kathy Hochul are in a statistical dead heat going into Tuesday’s special election.  Corwin is clearly in trouble as earlier polls showed her leading.

NRA has done members mailings on behalf of Corwin and attacking Jack Davis, who also happens to be a NRA life member.  Yesterday’s Buffalo News has position statements from the three main candidates on a variety of issues including guns.

If Corwin blows this it will be entirely her own fault.  Republicans have not run a strong campaign and let the opposition define her campaign and the issues.

Pistol license application backlog

On: By: admin

As a follow up to my early post that pistol license applications are backlogged up due to state budget cuts, some local officials have gotten involved including the Orange Co. Sheriff and Niagara Co. Clerk.

Valentine not running for re-election

On: By: admin

Newburgh Mayor Nick Valentine announced he is not running for re-election.  He is a member of MAIG.  He barely squeaked by last time around with a pularity of the votes in a 3-way race with Democrat and Conservative opposition candidates so it is understandable that he’s bowing out now.

CD-26 election update

On: By: admin

The 3-way race in CD-26 is heating up with Assemblywoman Jane Corwin holding a slight lead over Erie Co. Clerk Kathy Hochul and businessman Jack Davis.  With the election next week, NRCC, DCCC and outside groups are now getting involved.

Despite NRA’s endorsement of Corwin, guns have not been a campaign issue.  Now with the GOP looking worried, Cowin’s campaign tried to raise the issue.  From today’s Buffalo News:

“… The Corwin campaign claims Davis also told WBEN in 2005 that he supports gun control when asked about an assault weapons ban.   But this year, in an earlier interview Davis granted to The News, he pointed to his life membership in the National Rifle Association and proudly displayed a gun collection that includes an Uzi, an M-16 and a Thompson submachine gun.  “Trust us with everything. We have that right as Americans,” he said.  “I say: don’t mess with my stuff.  It shall not be infringed.” …”

FAIL.

Legislative update

On: By: admin

Legislative Report #9 and NYC Legislative Report #6 are now online.

Next weeks legislative agenda:

Assembly Codes, Tuesday 5/17

  • A-1014, Amends the definition of a “disguised gun” to include a  weapon or device capable of being concealed on a person from which a shot can be discharged through the energy of an explosive which is designed and intended to appear to be a toy gun.
  • A-1131, Repeals section 396-ff of the general business law relating  to the pistol and revolver ballistic identification databank.
  • A-2730, Clarifies that licenses for handguns may be issued to  non-resident individuals.
  • A-6406A, Provides for the mandatory revocation or suspension of the  firearms license of, and eligibility therefor of an individual  against whom an order or temporary order of protection has been issued, under certain circumstances.

Assembly EnCon, Tuesday 5/17

  • A-7380, Authorizes permanent hunting in the county of Schuyler.
  • A-7381, Authorizes permanent hunting in the counties of Chemung,  Steuben, and Yates.
  • A-7637, Relates to hunting in the county of Madison.

Senate Consumer Protection, Tuesday 5/17

  • S-459, Repeals section 396-ff of the general business law relating to  the pistol and revolver ballistic identification databank.

Senate EnCon, Tuesday 5/17

  • S-5105, Authorizes permanent hunting in the county of Schuyler.
  • S-5106, Authorizes permanent hunting in the counties of Chemung,  Steuben, and Yates.