As Vice President Joe Biden leads a White House effort to develop gun control and other measures designed to prevent more deadly mass shootings at U.S. schools, The Times-Picayune reports it appears the Louisiana delegation will be a tough sell. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson and outgoing Rep. Jeff Landry, R-New Iberia, have pretty much ruled out support for any new gun control legislation. Some other strong gun control proponents in the delegation, including Sen. David Vitter, R-La., and John Fleming, R-Minden, are declining to speak out so soon after last week’s killing of 20 first grade students and six adults at a Connecticut elementary school. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, are willing to consider new measures, but continue to advocate for the rights of gun owners. Only Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, among Louisiana members, offers a firm endorsement for limits on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. “Gun control won’t stop bad people from doing bad things,” Scalise says, reflecting the view of many gun-rights lawmakers when he says. “Rather, it will only hurt the people who play by the rules and enjoy the personal freedoms and protections that the Second Amendment provides to us all.” Gov. Bobby Jindal also expressed opposition to new gun control laws. The full story is available here.
Today’s poll question: Do you support new gun control measures?
