Texas lawmakers 10 times more likely to conceal carry...

[stevie_d_64]

http://www.kvue.com/news/Some-state-law ... 38674.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Texas lawmakers 10 times more likely to have concealed handgun permit

Posted on May 21, 2010 at 10:35 PM

When it comes to packing heat, the I-Team found Texas lawmakers to be at least ten times more likely to have a concealed handgun license than the average Texas adult.

"I've had my concealed carry license for several years," said Senator Kel Seliger.

Senator Seliger is one of the nearly 20% of state lawmakers who told the I-Team they have an active concealed license.

However, when asked if he carries to work, he said he prefers to keep that to himself.

"I wouldn't care to answer, said Senator Seliger. “That's the beauty of the concealed carry license. You know I can. You know I may. So the best thing is for people not to mess with other people."

One of the reasons lawmakers said they carry is it’s Texas tradition, but the main reason most lawmakers cited is safety.

In January, a Houston man, moments after visiting a senator's office, fired shots from the steps of the capitol. No one was injured, but several lawmakers said the event has them rethinking security at the capitol.

More than a dozen state lawmakers, who don't have a concealed license, like Senator Rodney Ellis, said they're now considering it.

"Much to the chagrin of some member of my staff, I'm thinking of taking a class myself," said Senator Ellis.

For every lawmaker who told the I-Team they have a concealed license, there were ones, like Senator Jeff Wentworth, who did not want to tell us,

"You'll never know,” said Senator Wentworth. “I don't give that information out. I'm disappointed that some of my colleagues are answering that question. They shouldn't answer that, in my opinion."

In 2007, Texas passed a law sealing all concealed license information from the public.

So while many lawmakers openly admit they carry, just how many and just how often, like the weapons themselves, remains concealed.

Now, I heard on another forum that the state government has re-installed allthe metal detectors in accesses to the Capitol building...I have not confirmed this, but I suspect this (if it is true) to be improper, as it violates the law passed back on 2005 (SB501) which prohibits the government from restricting CHL's in government facilities...

Maybe I'm wrong???

[stevie_d_64]

http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=34605" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I know this is out there, but I wanted to take the discussion in a different direction...

Up to you folks in the Mod Squad...I figured this was more political than a general gun related issue...

Just my opinion...

[lrb111]

Sen. Wentworth's comments are funny. (Since, he has sponsored so much of our CHL laws.)

[tacticool]

When it comes to packing heat, the I-Team found Texas lawmakers to be at least ten times more likely to have a concealed handgun license than the average Texas adult.

I think that's because they know what's happening on the borders, and they have an idea about the true crime rate (not the same as the official crime rate) in Texas by criminals, foreign and domestic.

[C-dub]

I don't think there is anything wrong with the senator's not telling. That's why the records were sealed. If I tell a friend or family member I carry I can ask that they not tell anyone. If he tells a reporter, the whole world will know. It is none of our business whether or not he carries no more than it is any of his business if I'm carrying.

[stevie_d_64]

Texas is very unique, we are fortunate to have a majority of lawmakers who understand the basics of the issue, we need to give them some additional compadres which will keep the issue protected...And that goes for both political parties...

If anything the premise is, if it ain't broke, don't replace it...It just needs a tune up every 2 years...

[Taxman]

KVUE had a report on the upgraded Capitol security the other night. Needless to say after viewing it I was a little disturbed. There is a special line with a nice big sign that reads "CHL Access" with no metal detector. Now correct me if I am totally off base, but doesn't being segregated from the average visitor blow our concealment?

[LarryH]

CHLs aren't the only people who use that line. That's also the line for legislators and employees.

[Taxman]

CHLs aren't the only people who use that line. That's also the line for legislators and employees.

So if I carry my family to visit the Capitol and we all line up to go through the CHL Access line (the wife has CHL as well) everyone in the other line will just think it is "carry your family to work day" at the Capitol? Sorry, but it can't be the best solution.

[RPB]

CHLs aren't the only people who use that line. That's also the line for legislators and employees.

So if I carry my family to visit the Capitol and we all line up to go through the CHL Access line (the wife has CHL as well) everyone in the other line will just think it is "carry your family to work day" at the Capitol? Sorry, but it can't be the best solution.

Nah, they'll think it's an office romance between employees ... if you hold hands n act mushy n stuff.
Just be sure when you are in the parking lot that she scooches up and sits next to you in the pickup, instead of way on the other side ... so it's believable.

(Not toooo mushy though, don't lose the "man card")