Elena Kagan for SCOTUS
Media reports that Obama will pick Solicitor General Elena Kagan as his nomination for Supreme Court Justice. She’s from Manhattan which isn’t good. According to the Washington Post:
“… She is known to be circumspect with her personal views and has no public record on some of the hot-button social issues — such as abortion and gun control …”
GOP candidates on the ground and on the air
Rick Lazio, Steve Levy and Carl Paladino had a Q&A session at a GOP candidates forum in Canastota over the weekend. Paladino at least touched on guns:
“… “My philosophy is Conservative Republican,” he said, explaining how he is against abortion, gay marriage and gun control …”
Unfortunately, it appears Lazio has a majority of support to secure the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Starting today Paladino and Levy will begin airing ads looking to cut into that support prior to the upcoming GOP convention. According to the Buffalo News:
“… The radio ads feature Paladino speaking to his audience about cutting taxes, slashing spending and creating jobs. The TV spot, meanwhile, features an announcer asking Paladino’s signature question of whether “you’re mad as hell about the mess in Albany?” …”
It will be interesting to see if he mentions guns in any of them. I would be surprised if Levy brings it up. I knows he’s been asked about it and it’s clearly not a hot button issue for him.
Legislative Report #24
Legislative Report #24 is now available for download.
Next weeks legislative agenda:
Assembly Codes, Tuesday
- A-3477, Increases the types of firearms that are to be included in the firearm ballistic identification database.
- A-4431, Requires defendant’s full cooperation with any law enforcement officer or district attorney who is investigating or prosecuting unlawful gun trafficking.
- A-5272, Prohibits the attendance of children under eighteen years of age at gun shows or stores by classifying such attendance as unlawfully dealing with a child.
- A-5368, Makes it illegal to sell component parts of a pistol or firearm to any person who does not possess a valid pistol permit.
- A-5695, Enacts provisions relating to the trafficking of weapons and for the firearm, rifle and shotgun ballistic identification bank.
Democrat slugfest for AG nod
There are currently 5 candidates vying for the Democrat nomination for State Attorney General. Eric Schneiderman is far and away the biggest antigunner of the bunch. With primary turnout always very low, we have an excellent shot at getting rid of him. Plus with party factions split on who to back, I’m thinking we’re going to get a lot of help in that area when the candidates and their proxies start trashing each other.
Some news links:
The blame game
Mayor Mike said the person(s) responsible for the failed car bombing in Times Square, “hate the freedoms that make this city and this country so great.“
His solution? Take away those freedoms. But don’t worry, “this is not about the Second Amendment.“
Syracuse University students helping Bloomberg
Syracuse University’s student newspaper The Daily Orange reports:
“… [Student Association] will showcase its support of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s initiative to close the Gun Show Loophole in a press conference in the Panasci Lounge in Schine Student Center at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Representatives from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Dan Maffei’s offices will attend. The Gun Show Loophole allows criminals to buy guns at gun shows nationwide without having to undergo a background check. SA has spoken out against the loophole and has joined Bloomberg’s efforts to close the loophole …”
The SA should have listened to Dean Wormer’s advice:
Gun Dean on Times Square evacuation and CCW reciprocity
Endorsement for Peter Margolius
Our second endorsement for the fall elections is out: Peter Margolius for Greene County Judge. He is a member of NYSRPA, NRA and Coxsackie Sportsmen. His campaign announcement was recently published in The Daily Mail, “Town justice throws hat in ring.“
News of the day
Long time Senator Dale Volker announced his retirement. He carried pro-gun bills in the Senate for many year.
Latest polling shows Andrew Cuomo would beat Rick Lazio, Steve Levy and Carl Paladino. Paladino notes that his numbers are better than Lazio’s (losing 55-25% verses Lazio losing 56-24%). Since the three GOP contenders all have about the same numbers, I see it more as a general anybody-but-Cuomo preference and not a specific preference for any of them.
ATF released some statistical trace data for New York. Mayor Bloomberg claims his lawsuits are responsible for the drop in guns linked to criminals.
Celebrate Mother’s Day by giving up your guns.