It is an election year, and with Heller, Washington State Democrat legislators are having to show their constituents that they agree with the decision or face a tough challenge from the Repubs
A U.S. Supreme Court decision on a Washington, D.C., gun ban combined with Seattle’s attempt to restrict guns on city property has sparked a legislative discussion about an issue Washington Democrats have consistently avoided.
On Monday, six Democrats from rural state legislative districts called on Attorney General Rob McKenna to issue an opinion on a city’s authority to ban people who legally possess firearms from city property and facilities.
“The statement from us is that our districts are just a totally different culture, and it’s a big part of our culture, people hunt and they carry their gun rights on their sleeve,” said House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam. “We represent people who are adamant about the Second Amendment of our Constitution and we try to represent them.”
That’s a stark contrast to urban Democrats who have for years been frustrated that so-called common sense gun control has been stymied despite the party’s majority control in the Legislature.
“We just have a split on that,” Kessler said. “I don’t think it’s contentious, it’s just the way it is.”
The request follows Friday’s Supreme Court ruling that struck down the District of Columbia’s ban on handguns, and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels’ recent executive order to prohibit the possession of weapons, including firearms, on city property.
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, represents the city of Montesano, which recently considered a similar ban.
“I’d like to know whether cities like Seattle can set aside the Bill or Rights when you walk onto city property,” Van De Wege said.
“Public safety is important to us all, but it seems to me an outright ban infringes on the right of citizens to legally carry a gun.”
“There are a lot of questions, but I would also like to know if state laws are being preempted by Seattle’s mayor.”
McKenna, who received a similar request from Republican lawmakers, says his office will provide a through analysis to lawmakers.
If they’re hearts are truly in this and it isn’t some sort of ploy, I would like to thank these brave individuals for breaking from their party platform to stand with and for our civil rights.
If not, then all I can hope is that you all have your resumes updated for your future employment in the private sector.