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Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 11:53 am
by RPB
Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
By Enrique Rangel
AUSTIN BUREAU
Lubbock Online
Posted: February 19, 2012
http://lubbockonline.com/local-news/201 ... 0PLkHmHSOG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
So far, it lacks an author and a sponsor who can convince their fellow legislators the bill is good for law-abiding citizens.
Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, the author of last year’s bill, said if re-elected, he probably won’t file a similar proposal when the 83 rd Legislature convenes in January.
And Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland, the bill’s sponsor in the House, is not seeking re-election, mainly because of a scandal
Marsha McCartney, president of the Dallas-based North Texas Chapter of the Brady Campaign, a nationwide organization in favor of gun ownership restrictions, said she is glad to hear Wentworth does not plan file the guns on campuses bill next year
More at http://lubbockonline.com/local-news/201 ... 0PLkHmHSOG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 12:21 pm
by The Annoyed Man
At first I was going to ask why Wentworth wasn't planning to file a bill, but on consideration I suspect it is because campus carry supporters burned up a lot of political capital last session on this issue, without garnering positive results. Maybe the political calculus is to let things lay for a while before taking this particular cudgel up again.
I am in favor of Campus Carry, and I would like to see another bill filed, but there may be politically strategic reasons for not taking it up again at this time.
Here is a question for Charles Cotton: would it be possible to have a paid membership level of access to a private forum on this board where you would feel comfortable divulging those things which you say you are not free to discuss in a public forum? It seems that it would be simple enough to vet the members who apply based primarily on post count, on the notion that our most active members are very likely sympathetic to the cause. And if you wish to do so, the "membership fees" collected could be used toward campus carry advocacy.
The reason I ask the question is that Charles has stated on numerous occasions that he is privvy to the strategic thinking in advocacy matters, but that he cannot share the information on the public board because our ideological opponents would then be informed of it. But if there was a way for committed members of this board to know what was going on behind the scenes, then perhaps we could think of ways in which we might proactively help the cause instead of simply riding along on its coattails.
Just a thought...
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 12:30 pm
by RPB
I believe Wentworth is facing 2 particular opponents one says is a better shot that he is, the other "supports the Second Amendment "even on college campuses"
Depending on how districts are being carved up ... he may just be trying to get re-elected if he gets an anti-gun population of voters

It seems San Antonio has an anti-Wentworth/anti-gun flavor and prefers the armed robberies in second floor bathrooms on campus still.
viewtopic.php?f=108&t=40241" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 1:20 pm
by RHenriksen
I'd be happy to chip in on something like this. I find the legislative session to be more captivating, interesting, and important than watching NFL on TV... and I enjoy being actively engaged in the process - contacting legislators, staffers, showing up in person in Austin, etc.
The Annoyed Man wrote:Here is a question for Charles Cotton: would it be possible to have a paid membership level of access to a private forum on this board where you would feel comfortable divulging those things which you say you are not free to discuss in a public forum? It seems that it would be simple enough to vet the members who apply based primarily on post count, on the notion that our most active members are very likely sympathetic to the cause. And if you wish to do so, the "membership fees" collected could be used toward campus carry advocacy.
The reason I ask the question is that Charles has stated on numerous occasions that he is privvy to the strategic thinking in advocacy matters, but that he cannot share the information on the public board because our ideological opponents would then be informed of it. But if there was a way for committed members of this board to know what was going on behind the scenes, then perhaps we could think of ways in which we might proactively help the cause instead of simply riding along on its coattails.
Just a thought...
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 12:57 am
by croc870
Robert, if you're interested in doing legislative work Students for Concealed Carry always has things going on.
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 1:00 am
by RHenriksen
Even with no sponsor for the campus carry bill this session?
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 1:24 am
by Douva
RHenriksen wrote:Even with no sponsor for the campus carry bill this session?
I assume you understand that "this session" doesn't start for ten and a half months and that the 2011 House and Senate bills had a combined 103 authors, joint authors, and coauthors, right? Though there may be some question as to
who will sponsor the bill, there
will certainly be a bill (or two), and there is
plenty of work to be done before the session starts.
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:54 am
by sumyungai
RPB wrote:I believe Wentworth is facing 2 particular opponents one says is a better shot that he is, the other "supports the Second Amendment "even on college campuses"
Has either of them pledged to support campus carry next year? That would make the primary decision easier, if the supreme court allows Texas to have primary elections this year.
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 10:34 am
by RPB
sumyungai wrote:RPB wrote:I believe Wentworth is facing 2 particular opponents one says is a better shot that he is, the other "supports the Second Amendment "even on college campuses"
Has either of them pledged to support campus carry next year? That would make the primary decision easier, if the supreme court allows Texas to have primary elections this year.
I'm about to watch this debate and see ...
Debate
http://www.sachamber.org/cwt/external/w ... cleID=2086" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Donna Campbell (website says pro 2A ... even on college campuses)
(I BELIEVE, she's Endorsed by TexasGrizzlette, a member of this forum, but I have not heard a specific, "supoort for Campus Carry" other than that brief mention on Donna's site
http://texasgrizzlette.com/2011/11/out- ... -campbell/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://legalinsurrection.com/2011/06/me ... -thompson/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://twitter.com/#!/TexasGrizzlette" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
)
http://donnacampbell.com/issues/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Right to Bear Arms
The Second Amendment gives Americans and Texans a fundmental right to own guns in order to defend their lives and property. These rights should never be taken away. I support the conceal and carry law that is currently in place in Texas, and I will fight tirelessly to ensure that the Second Amendment is protected, including on college campuses.
Elizabeth Ames Jones is the current chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission (website says "I am not only the strongest proponent of Second Amendment rights in this race; I am also the best shot. I")
http://www.jonesfortexas.com/OnTheIssue ... ndment.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
2nd Amendment Rights
As a strong supporter of our Second Amendment, I routinely exercise my rights as an American citizen. An accomplished shooter and hunter, I am not only the strongest proponent of Second Amendment rights in this race; I am also the best shot. I pledge to continue Texas’ proud tradition of responsible and constitutional gun ownership.
As a lifelong outdoorswoman and hunter, I understand the natural gifts Texas has provided us. As the Texas Railroad Commissioner, it is my duty to ensure that the procurement of energy is done in a thoughtful and environmentally safe manner. While serving on the Coastal Land Advisory Board, I had the privilege of being named the 2010 “Woman of the Land” by the Texas Wildlife Association Foundation. I will bring that spirit as a “woman of the land” to guard Texas’ resources while ensuring that Texans take advantage of their God-given gift of Texas resources.
Doesn't mention Campus Carry, who knows what the rest of the strongest supporter and best shot hunter woman means?
I LIKE Wentworth's position and Seniority and persistence (until now) BUT IMHO it was a big mistake to do press releases about a "slam dunk" expressing overconfidence and drawing so much attention to which a huge response occurred from the Anti group.... Sometimes, like in Desert Storm, it's better to flank and come in under the radar, get'er done quietly. Perhaps that's why both others are quieter on it, but Donna does more than hint she has an understanding that Second Amendment isn't about hunting, though Jones did work with Jerry Patterson I think...
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 11:03 am
by canvasbck
The Annoyed Man wrote:Here is a question for Charles Cotton: would it be possible to have a paid membership level of access to a private forum on this board where you would feel comfortable divulging those things which you say you are not free to discuss in a public forum? It seems that it would be simple enough to vet the members who apply based primarily on post count, on the notion that our most active members are very likely sympathetic to the cause. And if you wish to do so, the "membership fees" collected could be used toward campus carry advocacy.
Just a thought...
The only problem here is the old saying............if you wish to keep a secret and three people know about it, the only way for it to stay a secret is if two of them are dead.
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 11:26 am
by tommyg
I think this is a god idea. I'm willing to pay a reasonable fee for a more private forum
Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 11:56 am
by The Annoyed Man
canvasbck wrote:The Annoyed Man wrote:Here is a question for Charles Cotton: would it be possible to have a paid membership level of access to a private forum on this board where you would feel comfortable divulging those things which you say you are not free to discuss in a public forum? It seems that it would be simple enough to vet the members who apply based primarily on post count, on the notion that our most active members are very likely sympathetic to the cause. And if you wish to do so, the "membership fees" collected could be used toward campus carry advocacy.
Just a thought...
The only problem here is the old saying............if you wish to keep a secret and three people know about it, the only way for it to stay a secret is if two of them are dead.
I'm OK with that as long as it's the other two guys.

Re: Guns on campus bill faces another hurdle
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:58 pm
by Dave2
canvasbck wrote:The Annoyed Man wrote:Here is a question for Charles Cotton: would it be possible to have a paid membership level of access to a private forum on this board where you would feel comfortable divulging those things which you say you are not free to discuss in a public forum? It seems that it would be simple enough to vet the members who apply based primarily on post count, on the notion that our most active members are very likely sympathetic to the cause. And if you wish to do so, the "membership fees" collected could be used toward campus carry advocacy.
Just a thought...
The only problem here is the old saying............if you wish to keep a secret and three people know about it, the only way for it to stay a secret is if two of them are dead.

As much as I'd love to know what all is going on, I'll gladly trade being kept in the dark for a greater chance at success for any gun-related laws that Mr. Cotton is pushing. I don't agree with
all his politics, but it this area his actions have proven him to be innately trustworthy.