Sen. Alexander votes against guns in national parks

[johnnyo]

More here. Here's the vote. AP story. Another story. It appears he was the lone Republican voting against it. Here's his no vote.
UPDATE: Just confirmed with his office he did vote against the measure. Details coming.
UPDATE II: Here's the statement his office just e-mailed me: I have consistently been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, but this legislation goes too far - further than President Reagan, further than President Bush, and further than Tennessee law.
UPDATE III: TN's other senator, Bob Corker, voted for the measure.
UPDATE IV: Glenn Reynolds: Not a good move for Lamar.
SayUncle: Neither Bush was exceptionally friendly to gun rights. While Reagan signed the Firearms Owners Protection Act, it also contained the Hughes amendment.
Rustmeister's Alehouse: Ok, Mister Senator, but I have to ask: Does it go further than the US Constitution? Or, for that matter, the desires of your constituents ?
UPDATE V: Statement from Sen. Bob Corker, R-TN: I understand the importance of ensuring the safety of people visiting our national parks as well as protecting our nation's wildlife from illegal poaching. I believe states should have the ability to weigh these considerations in carrying out their responsibility to regulate firearms within their borders.


Posted by Michael Silence on May 13, 2009
Sen. Alexander votes against guns in national parks | No Silence Here | knoxnews.com
Lamar Lone GOP Vote Against Guns In National Parks
By Kleinheider Posted on May 13, 2009 at 10:28 am
The U.S. Senate yesterday approved 67-29 an amendment to the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2009 that would restore concealed carry rights in national parks.
In March, Federal District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued a preliminary injunction against the Department of the Interior rule that would have allowed the carrying of firearms in national parks.
Sen. Tom Coburn sponsored the amendment which allows firearms in parks and wildlife refuges, as long as they are allowed by federal, state and local law.
“If an American citizen has a right to carry a firearm in their state, it makes no sense to treat them like a criminal if they pass through a national park while in possession of a firearm,” Coburn said.
Twenty-seven Democrats joined 39 Republicans and one independent in supporting the amendment
Tennessee’s Lamar Alexander was the lone Republican against the amendment.
Alexander issued a statement to the Knoxville News Sentinel’s Michael Silence following the vote.
“I have consistently been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, but this legislation goes too far - further than President Reagan, further than President Bush, and further than Tennessee law,” said Alexander in an email.
scorce: Lamar Lone GOP Vote Against Guns In National Parks : Post Politics: Political News and Views in Tennessee

[johnnyo]

He's lost my vote! I may sent him an email telling him how I feel about is lack of support.

[Volzfan]

He's lost my vote! I may sent him an email telling him how I feel about is lack of support.

Make that 2 of us.

[jughead]

make it 4 more my family has scratched him OFF

[GLOCKMEISTER]

3... plus everyone I can tell

[ghawk249]

In my opinion Senator Alexander has been one of the biggest disappointments Tennessee has ever had. He was not that great of a Governor and has has continued to disappoint me as a Senator. He clearly does not vote the consensus of of his constituents. The first place the GOP needs to start rebuilding is that seat in the Senate.

[barewoolf]

I agree. I just wrote him again, but I already knew he didnt represent us.

[ukerduker]

It was brought up in another thread, who will we vote for if we are all against Lamar? Is there an alternative?

I heard the name Ford Jr mentioned. I know nothing about this guy. Is Ford he a Democrat?

[Good_Steward]

Well, at least Bob Corker voted "yea". I cringe just thinking of how the votes would be if Harold Ford Jr. had won that seat.

[Good_Steward]

It was brought up in another thread, who will we vote for if we are all against Lamar? Is there an alternative?

I heard the name Ford Jr mentioned. I know nothing about this guy. Is Ford he a Democrat?

Ford Jr. is a very liberal Dem. Gotta get a Republican in the primaries, or an Independant to run against Alexander. I have a low opinion of Alexander and Ford both.

By the way, Harold Ford Jr's brother, John, was busted in the Tennessee Waltz sting. The whole family are crooks.