GOP lawmaker: Anyone who voted for State House gun ban 'is possibly NOT an American!'
Yesterday, House lawmakers lifted a two-year ban on firearms on the State House floor and in the gallery. Rep. John Burt (R-Goffstown), who proposed the rule change, said he was concerned about what would happen “if a nut with a gun comes into this chamber.”
Burt echoed the sentiment offered by NRA executive Wayne LaPierre after the Sandy Hook school shooting. “The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun, whether it is a state trooper or a fellow representative,” Burt said.
Lawmakers approved the rule change in a 228-149 vote. The vote was largely along party lines. Ten Democrats crossed the aisle to support the measure. Six Republicans voted against it.
The Republican representatives were jubilant. “Great job, John,” wrote Rep. Joseph Lachance (R-Manchester) on Facebook. “Proud to have voted yes for this!”
“I should not have to give up my constitutional rights to serve in the legislature,” added Rep. Leon Rideout (R-Lancaster). “Sanity might be returning to the house.”
Rep. Don Leeman (R-Rochester) blasted those who favored the gun prohibition. “Proud to have voted for the Second Amendment!” he wrote. “Anyone who did not…is possibly NOT an American!”