[Mulder]

Pataki, a staunch gun-control advocate, also called for a new state licensing fee for handgun owners that he said would raise $11.3 million annually

Isn't it a federal crime to conspire to violate any civil Rights?

[neverdem]

Isn't it a federal crime to conspire to violate any civil Rights?

Not if yor're a pol with good intentions. The New York State Senate is controlled by the pubbies. They will catch a lot of grief from the Conservative Party if they pass a bill like this. Pataki is on his last term. The last election was basically a three way race, and Pataki got less than 50%.