Benjamin Hackett's blog

"When the servants of the people assume the airs of masters, when they are urgent in their claims for confidence … the people should displace such servants at the first legal opportunity.”

 Pro-Gun Bills go into Effect in Virginia Today!

After another successful legislative session in Richmond, law-abiding Virginian’s will see many important advances in their Second Amendment rights.

The following bills approved by the Virginia General Assembly will go into effect Today:

House Bill 8/Senate Bill 3, sponsored by State Senator Ralph Smith (R-22) and Delegate Charles Carrico (R-5), allows Virginia residents to renew concealed carry permits by mail.

House Bill 109, sponsored by Delegate Mark Cole (R-88), repeals the statute which allows the governing body of any county to require the sellers of pistols and revolvers to furnish the Clerk of the Circuit Court with the name and address of the purchaser, date of purchase and the number, make, and caliber of the gun.

House Bill 505/Senate Bill 334, sponsored by State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24) and Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15), will allow a concealed carry permit holder to carry his or her firearm into a restaurant that serves alcohol, provided he or she does not consume any alcohol.  HB505 was conformed to SB334 by creating a Class 2 misdemeanor for consumption of alcohol while carrying concealed and stripping retired law enforcement officers of the ability to drink while carrying concealed.

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Interestingly, 2010 boasts 42% of individuals identifying as conservatives. A rudimentary analysis highlights 1992 and 1994 as the last two comparable years. As many of us may remember, in 1994, the GOP overtook the houses of Congress in the "Republican Revolution." As an untested thesis, it is interesting to note that 1992's number corresponded to a year in which Perot and Bush received over 56% of the combined vote. An interesting cross analysis of 2010's number would include the number of those switching their stances to conservative, who identify with the Tea Party.

In either read, it appears Republicans are headed for significant gains in the 2010 midterm elections. However, the GOP may want to consider broadening its message to ensure that another Perot-like situation does not occur in 2010 (Florida?) or in 2012.

From Gallup