Edited for brevity.
The Republican-controlled state Senate today overrode Gov. Jim Doyle’s veto of a bill to repeal Wisconsin’s 130-year-old ban on the carrying of concealed weapons. The vote was 23-10, sending the measure - the most controversial of the biennial session - to the Assembly, which is expected to start its veto override debate Tuesday. Five Democratic senators voted to override the veto; Minority Leader Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, said several of them made their decision just this morning. After the vote, Doyle said he was disappointed that the Senate "had abandoned the men and women of law enforcement." Police groups have been outspoken in their opposition to concealed weapons, citing the secrecy provision that would surround who gets a concealed carry permit. "The fact of the matter is, the NRA won today," Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, told reporters after the vote. The National Rifle Association lobbyist had a different view. "The people of Wisconsin won today. It’s not just the NRA. It’s 100,000 Wisconsin citizens," said Darren LaSorte.
Now it’s up to the Assembly! I am ecstatic to see so many states roll back legislation recently that trampled all over the Second Amendment. It’s great to see the people reclaim their rights! |