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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Crime / Media It's Flying Pig Hunting Season!

Posted by Goldy on Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 9:28 AM

In the new spirit of bipartisanship that is sweeping Washington State, both the Seattle Times and The Stranger have come out in favor of sensible gun control. So now that the most influential newspaper in the state and the Seattle Times have both endorsed new restrictions, can Olympia finally get to work protecting our citizens?

Um, probably not. Because regardless of Democratic timidity, with Republicans in control of the state senate (thanks, Rodney Tom!) the GOP now has an effective veto on any gun control legislation that might be proposed. But, you know, the Blethenites of have forcefully said that they want sensible gun laws, and that's much more important than endorsing the kind of candidates who might actually deliver on the issue.

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Great chance for Inslee to show some leadership. He should propose what he'd like to see in terms of gun regulation. I'm optimistic that sensible regulation will pass. We just need some real leadership, and that has to come from the governor.

Posted by Confused_Voter on December 20, 2012 at 10:53 AM

Rodney Tom is a major-league asshole, but he's actually got a decent record on gun control. His NRA rating is "D". There are other Democrats still in the D caucus with A or B ratings -- Steve Hobbs (D-44, Mill Creek, Snohomish, Lake Stevens), Steve Conway (D-29, South Tacoma, Spanaway, Lakewood), the departing Derek Kilmer (D-26, Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Key Peninsula)> Kilmer's seat is vacant because he's heading to the other Washington to sit in the House of Representatives.

There are possibly soft spots on the Republican side, too. Steve Litzow (R-41, Mercer Island, South Bellevue, Newport Hills, South Lake Sammamish area) and Andy Hill (R-45, Kirkland, Novelty Hill, Sammamish, Woodinville) might be worth looking at, in terms of getting a vote on a moderate or weak bill addressing at least some of the most egregious holes.

Better to pass a weak bill than nothing; at least you've turned the bus around a little.

Posted by Fnarf