it seems to be becoming a growing trend.
She will face a lot of pressure from other politicians and the media in New York.
Here for an example is a recent news article:
Pro-gun Senator-designate Gillibrand should see heartbreak at Brooklyn HSLast week's funeral of of Nazareth Regional High School student Nyasia Pryear Yard.The Brooklyn high school attended by an honor student killed by a stray bullet wants our new pro-gun senator to drop by for a visit.
Principal Barbara Gil of Nazareth Regional High School also extends an invitation to our governor, who appointed Kirsten Gillibrand despite her active efforts against gun control.
"If Gov. Paterson or Ms. Gillibrand want to know firsthand the effect guns on the street have, let them come to Nazareth and speak to my kids who will tell them of the heartache and fear they have," Gil said. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/26/2009-01-26_progun_senatordesignate_gillibrand_shoul.htmlThe young girls tragic death was probably caused by gang violence:
A 17-year-old Catholic school honor student and aspiring model was shot dead early Sunday as she danced in a Brooklyn teen club.
Two other teens were grazed by bullets during the 3:15 a.m. melee and cops were investigating whether rival gangs were responsible for the gunplay involved, sources said.************snip***********
Relatives blamed the shooting on gang rivalries and said Bloods gang members unleashed the violence because they were elbowed out of event on a lucrative holiday weekend.
"The Bloods were angry that they didn't get the space. So they targeted the party to shoot it up," said Michael Miller, the slain teen's uncle. "That is word on the streethttp://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/01/18/2009-01-18_17yearold_honors_student_nyasia_pryearya.htmlObviously, something needs to be done to reduce gang violence. Gun control laws directed at honest citizens will have little effect on this violence. Criminal gangs should be targeted as terrorist groups (which they are) by both the local police and the Feds. When a group with a grievance targets a party of innocent people and kills and wounds some...that is terrorism.
So the new Senator will find herself under fire from New York politicians, anti-gun groups and the news media for her views on firearms. It may be easy for a Governor of New Mexico like Bill Richardson to be pro-gun and survive as a politician, but it's very difficult for a New York politician to hold the same views.
She's definitely an advocate for hunters, but I can't find any statements regarding her views on firearms for self defense. I suspect she will buy into the current argument that the Democratic Party seems to be adapting. Firearms are fine in rural areas, but should be subject to draconian restrictions in urban areas. While she will support hunters, she will deny some poor bastard the right to defend himself in his own New York City house against an intruder. She will never support shall issue concealed carry permits in New York City, because it's a really terrible idea to allow the average honest citizen to carry a weapon in public in the Big Apple. (With the exception of rich, prominent and famous people like Don Imus or Donald Trump.)
Of course, she could continue to earn her high rating from the NRA. She could continue to be a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. Since she will attract considerable media attention, she could be a true "NRA poster girl" and present a strong case for gun ownership not only for hunting but for self defense.
If she waffles under pressure, she will be seen as merely another typical politician. If she has the guts and courage to truly prove that she was worthy of a high NRA rating, she might lose the next election. On the other hand, she might launch a movement that could win her the honors of being the first woman President.