, 2003, HB349 [License-to-Carry] was put on the desk
of Governor Bob Holden. On that day the clock started for him to take
action. If the clock runs out and he does NOT take action, the bill
becomes law. We hope he will allow it to become law.
Why would he veto HB349?
It is widely rumored that Governor Holden will be facing an opponent
during the democratic primary next year. That opponent could be none
other than Claire McCaskill. So far, the people looking at this race are
showing that the Governor does NOT have as comfortable a lead over the
challenger as he should.
This is why his "advisors" are telling him he needs to veto
HB349. In theory, his veto will strengthen his "base" in
St. Louis City and County and give him the numbers to beat Claire in the
primary.
However, his advisors may be wrong.
Missouri has been through TWO public election cycles since 1999. In both
of these elections, Pro-LTC representatives and senators were elected to
the point where for the first time in twelve years, we have a solid block
of pro-LTC representatives and senators that nears
"veto-proof" margins.
The Governor´s advisors seemed to have missed that little fact.
When it came to electing officials [both representatives and senators] on
the whole, pro-LTC did not defeat them... even in areas that defeated
Prop B.
The Governor´s advisors also seemed to have missed the
pro-LTC/pro-gun LABOR factor. While most union LEADERS may tell their
members to vote Democratic, very MANY union MEMBERS have voted with their
gun rights in mind and voted REPUBLICAN and PRO-LTC.
How will they vote in the Democratic primary NEXT year IF Governor Holden
vetos LTC. Once that stake is planted in the ground, he will not be able
to pull it up. Pro-LTC union members have proven they will vote pro-LTC.
Will Republican women flock to the Democratic primary to help Governor
Holden defeat his challenger? Very doubtful.
Governor Holden´s political future could well depend on what he does
with this one bill. His advisors are said to be busy "counting
votes" to see if the veto will "help" him more than
"hurt" him.
You see, it is not about "the people have spoken." If it were,
why would the Governor be busy pushing tax increases that the people
overwhelmingly rejected just a few months ago, while claiming that a
narrow defeat four years ago is set in stone.
The people DID speak when over the course of two elections, they ELECTED
individuals to represent them that support LTC passage.
For the Governor, it is NOT really about the 1999 vote, it is ALL about
the 2004 vote... and his political future.
Let him and his advisors KNOW that they have miscalculated IF they think
his veto will "help" him in the primary.
Contact Governor Bob Holden TODAY and tell his staff that you respectfully
request he allow the bill to become the law of Missouri.
You can contact him by writing, calling, faxing and emailing him.
Governor Bob Holden
Missouri Capitol Building, Room 216
PO Box 720
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
Missouri Phone Numbers
Telephone: (573) 751-3222
Fax: (573) 751-1495
Email: mogov@mail.state.mo.us
Contact the Governor today and tell all your pro-LTC friends to do so
as well.
Thanks,
Greg Jeffery
Legislative Chairman
Gateway Civil Liberties Alliance
Legislative Coordinator
Missourians for Personal Safety
Designated Part-time Spokesman
Western Missouri Shooters Alliance
IF you have not signed up for our Grass Roots Action Network email list,
please do so today. Don´t forget that you can see our alerts, our
newsletters and other pertinent information on the struggle to enact
License-to-Carry legislation for Missouri by visiting our website at: www.gclastl.org or the website of other state grassroots groups such as MPS at: www.moccw.org and WMSA at: www.wmsa.net and MSSA at: www.missourisportshooting.org.
