Scott Brown backs assault gun ban

[Redfairen]

Source: Politico

Outgoing Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown has become the first GOP senator to endorse a renewed assault weapons ban.

“What happened in Newtown where those children were subject to that level of violence is beyond my comprehension,” Brown told the Springfield Republican on Wednesday. “As a state legislator in Massachusetts I supported an assault weapons ban thinking other states would follow suit. But unfortunately, they have not and innocent people are being killed. As a result, I support a federal assault weapons ban, perhaps like the legislation we have in Massachusetts.”

Previously, Brown had long opposed new federal restrictions on guns, arguing the issue should be left to the states. But Brown earned the endorsement of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in November’s election in part by opposing legislation that would’ve allowed concealed weapon permit holders to carry guns across state lines.

Brown may also be preparing himself to run in a special election should Sen. John Kerry be named Secretary of State. Brown is perhaps the most likely GOP nominee in the special election, which would probably take place sometime this summer.




Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/scott-brown-backs-assault-gun-ban-85348.html

[LynneSin]

1. Scott wants to run for John Kerry's senate seat

But trust me if this asshole gets elected he'll vote with the rest of the GOP

[alp227]

5. I think he can kiss any elections goodbye with his gun control position.

Unless he becomes an independent.

[hughee99]

11. Why? Repukes make up only about 11% of MA registered voters,

and Brown isn't going to lose them by supporting gun control.

[LaPera]

19. Brown won before in a vacant MA seat don't underestimate the republicans - That's how he won before!

[hughee99]

20. I know, I live here. He didn't win MA because of the strength of the repukes.

He won by appealing to the unenrolled (those registered to vote, but with no party affiliation). Supporting gun control won't hurt him in MA with the 11% and will help him with that group.

[Myrina]

7. ^ THIS was my first thought, too.

Scotty the male-model / GOP 'escort' (willing to perform a variety of positions in exchange for votes).

[canoeist52]

2. I took him six days to see which way the wind blew before he found it to be beyond comprehension.

[nolabear]

3. Great. Let it be his final act as a senator.

[Recursion]

4. Republicans will be fine with an AWB because it doesn't actually do anything

In fact, I'd imagine Republicans would absolutely love to have an assault weapons ban pass soon.

1) It lets their few remaining moderates say "see, I voted for bipartisan gun control legislation"
2) It lets them rile up gun owners who know what it does and see it as a pointless culture war "fuck you" to them
3) It doesn't affect, for instance, the gun the shooter in Newtown used, so no actual access to firearms are lost

If I were a Republican I'd be all for this. If it goes down like in 1994, people (hell, even some legislators) will think that it's banning semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines (which is what is actually important if you're trying to stop mass shootings), gun makers will remove the bayonet lugs from their rifles and sell them legally (at sky-high prices to the rubes), and gun control as an issue will be dead for another two decades.

[JoeyT]

16. Yep.

But we're not supposed to talk about that. Apparently demanding gun control that actually gets rid of the guns used in mass murders makes you a wild-eyed NRA loving gun nut.

[Mojorabbit]

21. Exactly! nt

[frazzled]

6. Easy for him: he won't be a senator when the bill comes up

He won't have to vote on it.

[Caeser67]

8. DOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTT

YOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

BELIEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE

IIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!

[bobclark86]

22. Oh, I do believe it

just like I believe Mitt the Twit Romney signing an assault weapons ban and then getting an NRA endorsement against someone who has only talked about it...

[chelsea0011]

9. He licked his finger and put it into the air and felt how the wind was blowing.

This guy is incapapble of taking a position until the s%#t hits the fan and a decision is made for him. He still hasn't had any opinion on the budget discussions. He wants to wait to see an actual bill before he decides anything. In other words he will stick his finger in the air and come down which ever way the popular wind is blowing. I'm hoping my home state Dems change the rule once again so the next appointment is to fill out the term with no special election.

[meegbear]

10. Now you're not relevant, you make a stand ...

you're a pussy Brown. Glad you're gone.

[beac]

12. Whether an outgoing senator or an incoming candidate, you are still a LOSER, Scottie.

Enjoy your last days of mild relevance.

[SoapBox]

13. Until you Flip-Flop, Asshole.

If this jag-off gets back into the Senate, I'll be major pissed off.

[Fearless]

14. Flip flop flip flop flip flop

Rinse and repeat. He's posturing to run for Senate again.

[slackmaster]

15. Pandering panderers pander

He knows it will never make it through the House.

[Skittles]

17. fuck it I'll give him points

[davidpdx]

18. Panderbear

He's getting ready to run for Kerry's seat when Kerry is confirmed as SOS. We know Brown will be voting yes for that.