Democratic Gun Rights Activists Seek Senate Power (VA)

Washington Post ^ | November 18, 2007 | Amy Gardner

[neverdem]

Contentious Issue Could Get More Play Than Under GOP

The Virginia General Assembly could become more friendly to gun rights advocates despite gains by Democrats in state elections this month, several lawmakers and advocates said.

But the specter of the April massacre at Virginia Tech could soften the effects of that change as relatives of victims prepare to push for greater restrictions on gun sales and possession, particularly on college campuses.

Democrats will control the state Senate with a 21 to 19 majority when lawmakers begin their new terms in January, but those who support stricter controls on gun possession and purchases will hold only a narrow majority in the Senate Democratic Caucus. Several Democratic proponents of gun rights are seeking seats on the committee that considers gun bills, and the possibility looms that the issue could get greater attention...

--snip--

But the dominance of rural sentiment is shifting. Urban Democrats, mostly from Northern Virginia, will now control most committees and the Senate Democratic Caucus. Democrat Richard L. Saslaw of Annandale, the likely new Senate majority leader, supports changing the law governing gun shows and also supports allowing colleges to ban guns on campus, even among permit holders. He sees no reason for more gun rights to come out of the Senate.

"What more do they need?" he asked. "They got everything. What more could you do? Require every home to come with a surface-to-air missile?"

Saslaw wouldn't say whether he feels strongly enough about the issue to try to block Democratic gun rights advocates from sitting on the crucial Senate Courts of Justice Committee.

Both Deeds and Sen.-elect J. Chapman Petersen, a Fairfax Democrat who defeated Republican gun control advocate Jeannemarie Devolites Davis on Nov. 6, are lawyers seeking such posts. Both have voted in favor of gun rights...

[lentulusgracchus]

He should be reminded being anti-gun costs ya in Virginia.

Yeah, but then there's the national party and its gun-grabber claque. I smell a Hillary loyalty oath working.

[lentulusgracchus]

Hmm, if I cut down the sides of an F-250 dooley, think that'd fit?

[jonascord]

The Hughes chain gun actually has a motorcycle type roller chain, driven by an electric motor, that drives the bolt of a single barrel gun back and forth.

The multiple rotory barrels in your photo are also driven by an electric motor, however, the entire reciever, bolt and barrel turn, with the bolt, guided by a track, moving back and forth.

The Apache attack helicopter has, or had, a single barrel chain gun under the nose, aimed by a device attached to the pilot's helmet.

[Cobra64]

Thanks for the explanation. I’d have loved to have been in the military. And to this day, regret not having chosen that route before I went to college.