Post by: bigtex on March 12, 2013, 03:27:36 PM
Bill sponsor Jamie Pedersen said he believes he has the votes to pass House Bill 1588 this afternoon with the clause, which will require that the issue go to voters in November.
“We worked really hard, but we could not get to 50 votes without a referendum clause,” said Pedersen, D-Seattle, acknowledging that any referendum campaign would be expensive.
A vote has been tentatively scheduled for early this afternoon, following a 1 p.m. caucus. Republicans plan to block the bill, including by offering several amendments.
The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, a new group funded by Nick Hanauer, is expected to run the campaign in support of the expanded checks — if the bill passes the House and Senate.
The Alliance has hired Zach Silk as its campaign manager. Silk ran last year’s successful referendum to legalize gay marriage.
Currently, background checks are required for sales by licensed dealers but not for purchases from private, unlicensed sellers. Ending that discrepancy has become a major flashpoint in Washington state and Washington, D.C.
Supporters say it could help curb gun violence, while opponents decry it as ineffective and unconstitutional.
The hope is that the referendum clause will give the proposal enough votes to get it over the top in the state House. As of late Monday night, the proposal was still three votes short despite a late lobbying effort by Gov. Jay Inslee.
“We’re very excited about being able to get an affirmative vote,” said Christian Sinderman, a spokesman for the Alliance.
Sinderman said his group has talked with Pedersen and other lawmakers about the potential referendum.
The tougher fight will be in the Senate. Supporters there say they have the votes, but only if they can get the measure to the floor in a chamber controlled by Republicans who oppose the measure.
If it gets to a referendum, Sinderman said the campaign in favor would “start in a good place.”
A recent Elway Poll found that 79 percent of voters support universal background checks. But gun-control measures have not fared well at the ballot in Washington state in recent years.
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2013/03/12/universal-background-check-supporters-adding-referendum-clause/ (http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2013/03/12/universal-background-check-supporters-adding-referendum-clause/)
Who is willing to bet if it doesn't come out as a referendum then some group will start an initiative???
Post by: Greenhorn on March 12, 2013, 04:00:53 PM
Post by: buckfvr on March 12, 2013, 04:27:06 PM
I guess we'll see how they like getting shoved out of the way in the food lines..... :twocents:
Post by: csaaphill on March 13, 2013, 02:19:45 AM
I just don't understand how the constitution and natural rights of self defense became irrelevant. Its the legal document that limits what the government can do, even if a bunch of morons vote for it. WTH.:yeah:
Washington is FULL of morons who know how to vote. Why doesn't someone arrest those a$$#@les who are trying destroy our freedom for treason? I don't get it.
yep im withya on that.
just dont know what all to do people are to comfortable to do much. maybe take their comforts then maybe people will rise.
Post by: 3nails on March 13, 2013, 05:31:21 AM
I just don't understand how the constitution and natural rights of self defense became irrelevant. Its the legal document that limits what the government can do, even if a bunch of morons vote for it. WTH.Amazing, isn't it.
Washington is FULL of morons who know how to vote. Why doesn't someone arrest those a$$#@les who are trying destroy our freedom for treason? I don't get it.
Post by: csaaphill on March 19, 2013, 03:08:13 AM
Post by: Bofire on March 19, 2013, 07:46:10 AM
Carl