Many readers know I’m critical of the current assault weapons ban because it isn’t very effective at identifying assault weapons from other rifles, but in principle I don’t think such a ban is a bad idea and the bill is set to expire tonight. Phil Crane has a different view:
Berkowitz: The concept of the federal government requiring background checks. You oppose that?
Crane: Oh yeah, I don’t think background checks are required….
Berkowitz: So, if felons want to get a gun, that’s OK? Ex-felons, I mean.
Crane: Well, if a felon goes to the local store and buys it… so long as he is a law abiding citizen.
Berkowitz: Assault weapons. You don’t support the ban on assault weapons.
Crane: No.
Berkowitz: Why would… private individuals need to have an assault weapon?
Crane: Whatever melts their butter in terms of going out to the rifle range and target practice and so forth.
Two of those positions put him to the right of the National Rifle Association and in bed with the bizarre Gun Owners of America headed by Larry Pratt
GOA gave Phil an A. Only Shimkus is close with a B. The others in the Illinois GOP delegation received:
Hyde C-
Biggert C-
Weller C-
Kirk F
Johnson B
LaHood B-
Hastert C-
Maybe someone should ask him about automatic weapons.