Democrats in the Oregon Legislature say the outlook to expand background checks on gun purchases is better in 2015 than it has been in years, thanks to Senate seats they picked up in the Nov. 4 election and passage of an initiative with similar provisions in Washington.
Now defeating legislation in legislatures is something we’re pretty good at. This isn’t the ballot, so we have a better chance. I had wondered why Bloomberg didn’t target Oregon. I would think it’s a logical next step. But I suspect he got promises from Kitzhaber that he would push for a bill in exchange for Bloomberg’s support in his reelection. So Bloomberg decided to give him a chance to live up to his promise. If we beat this in the legislature, Bloomberg can always fall back to the ballot and get what he wants anyway. First he’ll try to get his money’s worth out of Kitzhaber, which is cheaper than a ballot fight, but he’s got the pockets to go for a full ballot fight if Kitzhaber disappoints him.
There are six Dems in the Oregon House that are B+ or better rated. IF they stick with the Republicans, it can be defeated. Many of them were NRA endorsed. The Senate is not good. They lost two A rated Republicans to two F rated Dems.
They did succeed in flipping two Senate seats, both previously held by reliably pro-gun Republicans, in favor of anti-gun Democrats. With an 18-12 Democratic advantage, we’re effectively as screwed there as we are in the Governor’s office.
With a 35-25 vote advantage in the House, we can afford to let one well-rated Democrat vote in favor of a “gun control” bill; all of the rest would have to buck their party to block it.
I’m not saying it’s not possible to prevent new gun laws, I’m just saying it’s going to be a VERY tough next couple of years.
Oh wow, Oregon Trail, haven’t played that in ages!
(You Know you’re a Video Game Junkie When……)