Gun bills, not taxes, ignite tempers (Iowa)
DES MOINES (AP) — This legislative session was supposed to be focused on taxes, education and job creation, but it was a discussion about guns that caused what likely will be the biggest stir at the Statehouse this year.
Two measures in the House last Wednesday prompted a walkout by Democrats, claims about a "wild West" mentality and a lawmaker near tears on the House floor.
Given Iowa's rural heritage, Department of Natural Resources spokesman Mick Klemsrud said guns always have sparked passions in the state.
"Hunting is a tradition in Iowa," Klemsrud said.
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Some said that could lead courts to strike down all gun laws on the books, but supporters responded that it is impossible to predict how courts would rule.
It's a mistrust of the courts, however, that fueled much of the support for the constitutional amendment.
"For far too long we've seen judicial abuse of our Second Amendment rights," said Rep. Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley.
Rep. Lance Horbach, R-Tama, was near tears during the debate as he argued passionately for gun rights.
"This was a big one, and it's a whole different level than arguing about funding of an agency," Horbach said. "The debate was about freedom more than it was about guns, and that's why both sides were very emotional on it."
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120305/NEWS01/703059953
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