A fellow Democrat disagrees with Governor Nixon’s vetoes of voter ID and gun laws.

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster

Current Attorney General Chris Koster, who’s running to replace the term-restricted governor, says he doesn’t have a problem with legislation passed this year requiring voters to have photo ID.

In defense of his veto, Governor Nixon claims the measure suppresses voter turnout.  “We saw in this most recent election only 25 percent turnout” said Nixon.  “That was six percent less than what most people had said would happen in the primary.  The challenge we have in our democracy is getting more people to vote, not fewer people to vote.”

Koster opposes voter ID laws in principal, but calls this year’s bill a good compromise.

He’s also indicated he wouldn’t have vetoed gun legislation as Governor Nixon did.  Nixon contends the law, which scraps requirements for concealed carry permits and training, goes too far for two reasons.

First, he claims it removes important oversight by sheriffs in weeding out those who shouldn’t have a gun.  “Putting the sheriff’s in charge of that a few years ago was a solid step forward and shouldn’t be rejected now.”

Second, Nixon thinks training which is currently required to carry a concealed gun, plays a key role in curbing gun related accidents.  “Getting training has prevented a lot of accidents.  It’s made a big difference.”  Nixon claims to have law enforcement agencies on his side with gun training.

Lawmakers vote next month on whether to override Governor Nixon’s vetoes during their annual veto session.  Both the voter ID bill and concealed carry gun measure easily passed the Republican dominated legislature.  The GOP holds super majorities in both the Missouri House and Senate.