Republican lawmakers in Missouri overrode the veto of Democrat Gov. Jay Nixon on improved concealed carry legislation earlier this year. [Dave Workman photo]
Anti-gun Democrats are furious, arguing that the new law will make the streets of Missouri’s major cities less safe. According to the Post-Dispatch, “Democrats expressed fear that the bill would put weapons in the hands of those who were previously denied permits.”
When Nixon vetoed the bill earlier this year, he contended that it would enable people who would be or had been denied a permit based on background check information, according to the Kansas City Star. But criminals carry guns, anyway, and don’t bother with background checks.
Pro-rights Republicans, however, were quick to dismiss the rhetoric. Quoted by the Star, State Rep. Kevin Engler (R-Farmington) put it succinctly: “This bill will not do the crazy things that are being said.”
Gov. Nixon is term-limited from running again. He also vetoed legislation that requires photo ID before voting, and he was also overridden on that action. Gun rights and voter fraud are serious issues to conservative voters, and not just in the Show Me State.
According to published reports, the veto override votes were along party lines, with a 24-6 vote in the Senate and a smashing 112-41 margin in the House.
What just happened in Missouri might send a signal to conservatives that they need to turn out at the polls in November.
Gun rights activists cheered the override on social media Wednesday. On the other hand, the Star noted, “Joining Nixon in opposing the bill were groups representing law enforcement officers around the state, such as the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, along with the state’s four catholic bishops.”
The stand your ground provisions become effective in 30 days, the Post-Dispatch noted, while concealed carry without a permit starts on Jan. 1.
