GOP Pick-up of Three Seats Could Significantly Impact Gun Laws in Virginia

Sunday's Washington Post ran this article detailing how a net gain of three seats for the GOP in the State Senate will have a major impact on legislation.

The Virginia Senate has been a cemetery for the General Assembly’s most conservative legislation for more than a decade.

During that decade, the GOP also controlled the State Senate, but the difference this time is that a new GOP majority would be a much more conservative lot than the RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) that were part of the majority leadership from 1999 to 2007.

“The stakes have never been higher,” said Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax County, who would lose her chairmanship of the Privileges and Elections Committee should the Republicans win their first majority since 2007.

Senator Howell is correct, the stakes couldn't be higher.  Who can forget that two years ago, the Senate Courts of Justice set up, some say in violation of Senate rules, a special subcommittee during the second half of the session for the expressed purpose of killing pro-rights legislation that passed overwhelmingly in the House of Delegates, included repeal of handgun rationing (one handgun-a-month).  A new GOP majority would add a new look to Senate Courts of Justice as at least one RINO, Senator Fred Quayle, would no longer be a part of the committee as he is retiring this year.  In addition, Bill Carrico, who is running to replace retiring William Wampler, and Tom Garrett, who is running in a newly drawn 22nd District, would add a decidely pro-rights flavor to the State Senate and both could end up on Senate Courts.

While VSSA is a non-partisan organization, it is clear that if the Democrats retain control of the state Senate, their anti-rights leadership will determine who sits on committees, and that Senate Courts will continue to be chaired by the anti-rights Henry Marsh (D-Richmond).  While we are supporting some Democrats for re-election, VSSA wants to see a change in leadership so we can finally repeal handgun rationing.

Now is the time to go to work for pro-rights candidates and help get them over the finish line. You can check here for the endorsed candidate in your area.