Legislative Report #20 is now online.
Told you so
Feb. 16 press release, “New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Opposes Extension of Albany County Gun Buyback Program“:
“… Handgun buyback programs have never been shown to have a significant effect on crime. The handguns turned in are typically old and, in some cases, inoperable …”
Liberal media response from WRGB, “Critics of gun buy back called ‘ludicrous‘”:
“… An angry Pastor Charlie said the Association doesn’t know what its talking about since he does not take in guns that don’t work …”
Mar. 10 Times Union story, “Anti-violence tool, or just ‘window dressing’?“:
“… A total of 126 handguns were taken in with the previous $20,000, and none of them were found to have been used in a crime, [Albany Co. Sheriff James] Campbell said Tuesday. “Several had the serial number filed off,” he said. Police test-fired all the guns and found no ballistics matches, he said. The guns were eventually destroyed by Albany police. Muller has collected more than 300 guns since the program began three or four years ago, but most were “inoperable junk,” the sheriff said …”
CD-29 candidates
With Eric Massa gone, CD-29 is open. I don’t know yet if there’s going to be a special election or if the Governor will let it slide until November. Here’s a possible list of replacements and where they stand on guns:
Pro-gun:
- Assemblyman Thomas O’Mara
- Senator George Winner
- Senator Cathy Young
- Monroe Co. Exec. Maggie Brooks
- Former Congressman Randy Kuhl
Anti-gun:
Unknown:
Durbin v. Schumer
The possibility of Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer resurfaces again the The Politico:
“Democrats are hungry for a hardball strategy against a resurgent Republican Party, and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin is positioning himself as a leading aggressor — a move that could help him in a potential run for majority leader … Durbin’s newly pugnacious strategy comes as more congressional insiders are whispering about the possibility of a Durbin vs. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) race for Senate majority leader if Nevada Sen. Harry Reid loses reelection …”
Both of Reid’s potential GOP challengers hold double digit leads over him in the latest polls. He’s in major trouble back home.
“… Democrats on and off Capitol Hill are quietly watching Schumer and Durbin for signs of how they would rule the Senate if they have a chance to become majority leader. During the past several months, Durbin has shown himself to be something of an aggressor … At the same time, Schumer — who has long been viewed as the more aggressive partisan of the two — is building a role as a bipartisan deal maker, something that could be critical should Democrats have a narrower Senate majority or be in the minority next Congress …”
Given I believe the Democrats will get a serious spanking by the voters this fall, I’d say Schumer’s strategy is the better approach. The full on liberal/socialist/progressive agenda is what the public is upset about and Durban’s in-your-face attitude is not what the Democrats need.
A lack of vision
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. during his State of the Borough Address:
“… “He went a step farther and offered real vision, and some challenging points about what we have to do to stop gun violence … I thought it was powerful,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio … “Now Mayor Bloomberg and I, we don’t agree on everything, but if there is one issue that we stand side by side on, is we need strong gun control laws right now,” said Diaz …”
Were you listening to Judge Napolitano?
Massa to resign
Apparently Eric Massa is going to resign on Monday. Oh well. That leaves CD-29 open for the fall elections.
Napolitano: Court will invalidate New York gun law
Judge Napolitano on the ramifications of McDonald v. Chicago and 2A incorporation on New York’s gun laws:
“… In my opinion, look to the Supreme Court to invalidate them …”
Massa bows out
Congressman Eric Massa announced he’s not going to seek re-election this fall. It’s a little unclear as to why. Either he has health problems or he’s a pervert. In any event, Monroe Co. Exec. Maggie Brooks has expressed interest in running. From a 2A standpoint, she’s has a much better record on the issue than Massa and would be an improvement.
Toast
Gov. Paterson is toast. It’s a matter of time before he resigns. Short of a major political shakeup, Andrew Cuomo will be our next elected Governor.
Bloomberg in denial
Mayor Mike is in denial:
“… “We don’t expect it to impact on New York laws,” a Bloomberg spokeswoman said of the case, McDonald vs. Chicago …”
He’s kidding himself.