More details on the Commissioners' smackdown

After speaking to my own Representative, I went ahead and e-mailed all of the Representatives for Franklin County. Rep. Rob Kauffman actually called me back to further discuss my ordeal and recent thoughts and told me he would get back with me when the 'official' response to the Commissioners was ready. Today, I received the following e-mail (bold added by me):

Dear Greg,

Thanks for your e-mail. As a follow-up to our telephone conversation a couple of weeks ago, Reps. Keller, Moul, Rock and I are sending a letter to the Franklin County Commissioners. The letter outlines the current PA statutes that could be used to prosecute coercive or inappropriate behavior at polling places. We also note that their letter stems from one particular incident in Franklin County at a recent election, in which their were no arrests for any offense under either the Crimes Code or Election Code.

Finally, and most importantly, we state that "We have concerns about limiting the exercise of one important constitutional right during the exercise of another. Given the extensive nature of current Commonwealth law regarding inappropriate behavior in any location, as well as additional laws which apply specifically to coercive activity at polling places, we believe the legislature has provided significant resources to address any concerns about intimidation at the polls."

Thanks for your continued advocacy on this issue.

Best regards,

Rob Kauffman
State Representative
89th Legislative District

I appreciate the clear and firm position they have stated on my behalf.

Nice try Franklin County Commissioners

While in Harrisburg for a day of pro-gun events, I was able to have a conversation with my own state Representative, Todd Rock. Rep. Rock was supportive of my position during the appeal of my LTCF revocation, and went so far as to have his office (I don't know if he did it personally or not) contact Sheriff Wollyung on my behalf.

Anyhow, after expressing his pleasure at the outcome of my case, he told me that the Franklin County Commissioners had written a letter to the Franklin County legislators, urging them to draft and offer legislation prohibiting the carrying of firearms in PA polling places. He told me that they would all be signing a response which will basically say, "No thanks."

I'm not shocked by either the request or the response, but thought I'd share the info since it's probably not something your going to see in the local news rag.

A rally, some lobbying, and passed legislation

I was very pleased to be able to attend the "Second Amendment Liberty in PA SECOND TO NONE" rally yesterday in Harrisburg. I enjoyed seeing some familiar fellow-members of the PAFOA, as well as meeting some for the first time.

The day started with some excellent speeches. Notable guests were Dr. Alan Keyes, Larry Pratt (Gun Owners of America) and Alan Gottleib (Second Amendment foundation). After the one-hour rally, we split up into groups, making visits to individual legislators, both to thank those who supported our cause, and to discuss our difference with those who did not.

After lunch, we made a few more visits, and then at 3:30, went to the House gallery to observe the day's proceedings. We had heard that HB1845 (with attached amendments from below) was on the schedule, but we were unsure if it would actually be called. We were pleasantly surprised to hear it called while we were present, and absolutely thrilled to witness it pass unanimously (200-0).

On our way out, a handful of us stopped for a quick photo outside of the Commonwealth Avenue entrance.


Pictured from left to right are PAFOA users dan, Sebastian, Pro2A, JDePietro, Pa. Patriot and gnbrotz.

Local Reps. cast pro-gun votes

Snowflakes in Hell has a nice little table detailing the firearm-related amendments from yesterday. Here's how our Franklin County State Representatives voted on the amendments:

A06414: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y
A06170: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y
A06346: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y
A06467: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y
A06378: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y
A06465: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y
A06348: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y
A06415: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y
A06178: Keller - N, Kauffman - N, Rock - N, Moul - N
A06542: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y
A06547: Keller - Y, Kauffman - Y, Rock - Y, Moul - Y

See the political process for yourself

I've known for years that PA had a local cable channel (PCN). In addition to factory tours of PA companies and coverage of local sporting events, they also carry feeds from the PA House and Senate. I 'lost' their coverage when I made the switch to a mini-dish, but have just discovered that they stream online.

I'm a little frustrated at some of the clear lack of understanding of existing firearms law by some of the Reps from the Philadelphia area. Today, that is tempered by being able to witness many pro-gun amendments being passed.