Democrats Holding Key on Gun Bill (CC for WI)

Madison.com via AP Wire ^ | January 27, 2006 | Todd Richmond

[Diana in Wisconsin]

(Assembly needs 6 swing votes in order to override Doyle's veto)

The state Senate Thursday overrode Gov. Jim Doyle's veto of a bill that would let Wisconsin residents pack pistols, clubs and knives in their pockets.

The fate of the state's 133-year-old ban on concealed weapons now rests with the state Assembly, which plans its own override try on Tuesday. The vote likely will hinge on six Assembly Democrats who broke party lines and voted with Republicans to pass the bill in December.

"Our concentration is going to be focused on the Assembly," said Sen. Dave Zien, R-Eau Claire, the bill's main sponsor in the Senate. "When people see both sides of this issue, they're going to be for us."

The Republican-controlled Senate voted 23-10 to override, jumbling party lines.

The GOP controls the chamber 19-14. But Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, voted to sustain the veto, siding with Doyle, a Democrat. On the other side of the aisle, Democrats Roger Breske of Eland, Russ Decker of Schofield, Julie Lassa of Stevens Point, Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee and Bob Wirch of Pleasant Prairie voted to override. All voted for the bill in December.

"The governor and I agree on a lot of things. But no one agrees on everything," Decker said.

Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said the bill could lead to angry constituents shooting legislators. Senate Minority Leader Judy Robson, D-Beloit, accused Republicans of wasting time catering to National Rifle Association lobbyists and ignoring real issues like expensive health care.

"When are you going to start addressing the real problems of the people of Wisconsin?" Robson said.

Senate Majority Leader Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, said Republicans will present a health care package next week and Democrats were the ones wasting time Thursday.

Wisconsin is one of four states that ban concealed weapons, along with Illinois, Nebraska and Kansas, while eight other states have very limited concealed-carry laws, according to the NRA. Gun supporters and Republican legislators have been trying to change the Wisconsin law for years.

Under the bill, state residents who pass firearms training and get permits could carry concealed handguns, knives, billy clubs and electric shock weapons in most public places except for schools, taverns and police stations.

Supporters say the measure would allow state residents to defend themselves from criminals. Doyle, a Democrat, said in vetoing the measure that it would endanger the public.

A successful override takes a two-thirds majority in both houses - 22 votes in the Senate and 66 in the Assembly.

The measure has the support of all 60 GOP Assembly members. If the six Assembly Democrats vote to override, the GOP would have the 66 votes it needs. If one of them flips and sides with the governor, the veto would stand.

The six Assembly Democrats - Reps. Barbara Gronemus of Whitehall, Mary Hubler of Rice Lake, Marlin Schneider of Wisconsin Rapids, John Steinbrink of Pleasant Prairie, Terry Van Akkeren of Sheboygan and Amy Sue Vruwink of Milladore - likely will face heavy lobbying from both sides.

Some of the most intense pressure could come from Doyle's office. The Legislature hasn't overridden a veto of a stand-alone bill in more than two decades.

"The governor is confident his veto will be upheld in the Assembly," Doyle spokeswoman Melanie Fonder said. "He does not think people in Wisconsin will be any safer carrying loaded weapons around."

But Gronemus, Vruwink and Schneider all have said they plan to vote to override.

That means it all could come down to Van Akkeren, Hubler and Steinbrink.

Van Akkeren has said he hasn't decided which way he will vote. Steinbrink and Hubler didn't immediately return messages from The Associated Press Thursday.

[freepatriot32]

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[jess35]

Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said the bill could lead to angry constituents shooting legislators.

And.... ?

[LibertarianInExile]

"And.... ?"

You are hereby nominated for the 2006 Fearless Freep Award, in the category of "Best One-word Response To A Stupid Lib Statement." The Academy will be voting on December 31, 2006. 8^)