Gun Ban Activists Use McAuliffe's Gun Control Executive Order as Model

On Tuesday, there were two stories on the same topic, but from slightly different angles, that the gun ban crowd is turning their attention to states to get what they can't get from Washington.  The first report was in USA Today and said even as Obama looks for ways to move forward on gun control with extra-constitutional measures, he will look to governors to help move the ball down the field:

"I think what people are realizing, and I have realized as governor, is that we have a tremendous number of tools at our disposal to take action," said Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat who signed an executive order on guns in October. It required gun tracing for all guns used in crimes, started a gun crime tip line and banned guns in state office buildings.

Republicans in the Virginia legislature called those actions "shortsighted," and threatened to repeal them in the next legislative session.

But McAuliffe said the White House has been very supportive. "I think they realize that when they’re stymied at the congressional level, that governors are willing to step up," he said.

The second story was in The Hill and noted that gun ban activists are focusing on states to move their pet policy initiatives:

The Center for American Progress (CAP) released a report Tuesday outlining dozens of executive orders state governors could issue to reduce gun violence.

The gun control recommendations range from strengthening background checks to collecting gun violence data and monitoring gun dealers more closely. 

These are executive orders that governors and attorneys general could take without the consent of their state legislatures or Congress, CAP argues.  

The report follows promises by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) to take such action.

The fact that gun ban groups are focusing on states is not really new.  This has been their tactic since the mention of gun control spelled certain defeat as a campaign issue.  Be that as it may, gun ban friendly politicians are now turning to tactics used by President Obama when he can't get what he wants from Congress - take "executive action."  Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy have both taken this approach in recent months. 

Notice how McAuliffe was mentioned in both articles.  And, it appears he is not finished putting out executive orders.