Gun Rights Vote In The Senate Today UPDATE: Fails On Cloture

Update: 58-39 fails to get 60 for cloture.

An interesting idea that will put a lot of Democrats in a box today.

Gun control and gun rights advocates are bracing for another clash with a Senate vote on a measure that would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry those hidden weapons across state borders.

Backers, led by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., say truckers and others with concealed weapons permits should be able to protect themselves when they cross into other states. Opponents say the measure would force states with strict procedures for getting permits to accept permits from states with more lax laws.

"Law-abiding South Dakotans should be able to exercise the right to bear arms in states with similar regulations on concealed firearms," Thune said. "My legislation enables citizens to protect themselves while respecting individual state firearms laws."

Democrats from states like Virginia, Montana and Nevada (yeah, Harry Reid is going to vote for it) face a tough choice. Their constituents are likely to favor this but on a national level, there will be a lot of pressure to oppose this measure.

I like the idea in theory though as someone who believes in federalism, I'd prefer to see this handled at the state level. If states that allow their residents to carry concealed handguns, they should be free to implement their own reciprocity laws.

Still, it's fun to see the 'moderate' Democrats finally having to stand up and take responsibility on a number of issues. Too often they have gotten a free pass to talk conservative at home but vote more liberally in D.C. Now that the Democrats have full control, they don't have as much room to hide.

More: Just to be clear, this proposal does not allow concealed carry in all 50 states. It simply extends automatic reciprocity between states with concealed carry laws.

posted by DrewM. at 11:15 AM

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