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Missouri senators hear testimony about Second Amendment Preservation Act

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Legislation establishing a Second Amendment Preservation Act had support from rural Missourians during a Tuesday Senate committee hearing in Jefferson City.

State Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield) represents southwest Missouri’s Greene and Christian counties

State Sen. Eric Burlison, R-Battlefield, the bill sponsor, testified before the Senate General Laws Committee, predicting that President-Elect Joe Biden’s administration will push for gun control.

“Gun bans directly, magazine bans, attacks on private gun manufacturers, red flag laws and restrictions on individual citizens from buying firearms,” Burlison testifies.

Burlison’s Senate Bill 39 declares that it’s the duty of the courts and law enforcement agencies to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. Senator Burlison also emphasizes that his bill does not try to prevent the federal government from enforcing federal gun laws in Missouri.

No one testified against the bill at Tuesday’s hearing, although there was written testimony submitted against it. While some who testified for the bill share Burlison’s concern about the Biden Administration, others are more concerned about their own personal protection.

Chuck Marley of eastern Missouri’s High Ridge traveled to Jefferson City to testify for the Burlison bill, saying his son was shot to death in September 2018 while giving a ride to a man who requested one. Marley urges senators to help law-abiding citizens to protect themselves.

“Alex’s killer was a felon on parole from federal prison. He should never have had a gun,” says Marley. “It was illegal for him to have a gun but guess what, he had a gun. No amount of laws is going to keep criminals from having a gun.”

Another person who testified lives in western Missouri’s rural Benton County. She tells senators that she needs a gun to protect herself from drug dealers and motorcycle gangs there.

“I live way in the country (in Benton County). I’ve had meth heads down the road break into my place. I’ve recently got where my life is at stake, one of the head guys down there wants to take me out to join a motorcycle gang,” the woman testifies.

Burlison’s bill declares as invalid all federal laws that infringe on the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment. The sheriff of northeast Missouri’s Lewis County, David Parrish, has concern with some of the bill’s language. He testified for informational purposes only, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Former State Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, a former judge, has read the bill and says it’s “unconstitutional on its face.”

As for Senator Burlison, he says all Missouri gun laws would remain in effect, under his bill. Burlison sponsored a similar bill in 2013, which was vetoed by then-Governor Jay Nixon (D). An override attempt that fall failed by one vote.

Burlison also testifies that Missouri shelves are almost bare now, regarding ammunition.

Senate General Laws Committee Chairman William Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, indicated Tuesday that the committee will vote on the bill at their next hearing.

Copyright © 2021 · Missourinet

Conservative publisher to roll out Hawley’s book

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U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Missouri

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, has a new publisher for his upcoming book. Conservative publishing company Regnery has announced on Twitter today that Hawley’s book, “The Tyranny of Big Tech” will come out in the spring.

Simon & Schuster publishing company dropped its agreement with Hawley after Trump rioters tore through the U.S. Capitol on January 6, killing five people and vandalizing the place. Hawley, who has been largely silent since the attack, accused the publisher of “assaulting” his First Amendment rights, which only applies to the government – not to private companies.

Hawley led an effort to challenge the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s election victory. He cited voter fraud allegations that several courts have struck down.

Since the attack, Hawley has lost some key supporters, including Missouri megadonors David Humphreys of Joplin and Sam Fox of St. Louis. At the same time, he has plenty of people still on his side.

Over the weekend, Loews Hotels announced it would not be hosting Hawley’s fundraiser next month in Florida:

“We are horrified and opposed to the events at the Capitol and all who supported and incited the actions. In light of those events and for the safety of our guests and team members, we have informed the host of the Feb. fundraiser that it will no longer be held at Loews Hotels,” the statement says.

In the book, Hawley argues that big tech companies like Facebook, Google, Amazon and Apple wield enormous market power and regulate and influence the news. Hawley says they organize, manipulate, and direct the conversations that Americans are having. He has been focusing on the work of big tech companies since his short time as Missouri Attorney General.

Copyright © 2021 · Missourinet

Missouri Capitol heightens security after FBI warning of armed protests; House discusses emergency plans

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The Missouri Capitol has extra law enforcement keeping an eye on the building after reports of possible “armed protests” at all 50 state capitols and the U.S. Capitol. The increased presence follows an FBI warning of threats of an “uprising” in the days leading up to the January 20 inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden.

During a press conference Monday following the inauguration, Gov. Mike Parson said the state is taking precautions.

Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)

“We’re quite aware of what’s going on there,” said Parson. “I think our state is a little different, compared to a lot of other states where you are seeing maybe some of these issues coming.”

Pro-Trump rioters at the U.S. Capitol last week and the FBI memo are making some state lawmakers feel uneasy. On the Missouri House floor Tuesday, Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit, says the Capitol needs a comprehensive emergency plan.

“One of the things that we are, you know, being made aware of from law enforcement agencies on a daily basis is that, while we know right now we are under increased threat, they don’t see it ceasing in the near future. But I think what is important for us to remember, gentlemen, is that we may never know when an event happens. Right now we are getting tips and we’re being tipped off to holes within our system, but emergency preparation is what saves lives and we are finding that we are not prepared and that is terrifying I think for most of us. We’ve got to figure out a way to address it,” says Ingle.

Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher, R-St. Louis County, says the Capitol Police team does not have the ability to respond in the event of a hostile takeover or most other emergencies.

Rep. Dean Plocher, R-St. Louis County (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)

“I think it’s incumbent upon us, if it’s not going to be provided for us, to provide security – essentially crafting our own method of security. We’re trying to work with the executive branch and that has occurred over several years,” says Plocher. “When the executive branch is on the third floor, I feel quite safe. But when the executive branch is not on the third floor, we kind of are left in the dark. We don’t have the resources. We haven’t crafted a game plan, if you will, to address some things. Fortunately, Missourians haven’t tried to take such actions into their own hands. But I think it’s something we need to look into.”

The executive branch is another term to refer to the governor.

Rep. Ron Hicks, R-Defiance, has been working for years to update security plans. He says the Legislature needs to come up with a bipartisan approach to address the gaps.

“We’re all sitting on this floor right now discussing this together and we’re going to do a little bit more of this in a little while – for one reason and one reason only. This is the one thing we are all on the same team on. I know my wife wants me to come,” says Hicks. “We are trying to build up security in the building. Our Capitol Police – they are a 34-unit team. They try to do their best that they can. But they are 34 members that do not have the equipment or the updated equipment they need to do what needs to be done.”

Rep. Ron Hicks, R-Defiance (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)

Hicks says lawmakers should think about some of their most vulnerable constituents – children.

“What would happen if an incident did occur and you have a hallway filled with children outside your office that you’re speaking to. Would you know what to do? Let’s just say a tornado is hitting,” says Hicks. “Would you know where to take them? I may not be someone with a weapon. It could literally be someone having a heart attack right here on the House floor.”

ABC News reports state, local and federal government courthouses and administrative buildings could be targets. The FBI is also getting reports of threats to harm Biden, Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Copyright © 2021 · Missourinet

Missouri officials asked if Hawley should resign

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Calls for the resignation of Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley continue to trickle in, along with some Republican allies and corporate donors pulling their support for him. The political backfire follows his efforts to challenge President-Elect Joe Biden’s election victory and the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol that followed last week.

“I will never apologize for giving voice to the millions of Missourians and Americans who have concerns about the integrity of our elections,” a statement from Hawley says in a statement. “That’s my job, and I will keep doing it.”

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley greets a supporter at GOP headquarters in Winchester on October 23, 2018. (File photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI)

Former Missouri U.S. Senator John Danforth says working to get Hawley elected to the Senate was “the worst mistake I ever made in my life.”

Two megadonors have pulled their support from Hawley – Joplin businessman David Humphreys and St. Louis businessman Sam Fox.

Book publisher Simon & Schuster has canceled publication of Hawley’s upcoming book.

During an Inauguration Day press conference Monday at the Missouri capitol in Jefferson City, Gov. Mike Parson was asked if Hawley, a fellow Republican, should resign. Parson is not touching that question for the time being.

“There’s been a lot of discussion on this. We’ll be talking about Washington, D.C. every day from here after probably on some level,” says Parson. “You know, everybody has to be responsible for the decisions they make, good or bad and different. That’s what I’ll say. Again, today is about the bicentennial and about being sworn in as 57th governor. This is a special day for me and my family. It’s a special day for our state.”

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, does not appear to support calls for Hawley’s resignation.

“He has a job to do just like I do and I’m sure he’ll do it. He’s very smart and I’m pleased to get the chance to work with him. We did not agree on this issue the day he announced this challenge, and Ted Cruz’s challenge,” Blunt tells Missourinet. “I think it’s time to move on and remember, half of the Republicans in the House of Representatives had a similar position.”

Missouri Republican Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, along with Congressmen Jason Smith, Billy Long, Sam Graves and Blaine Luetkemeyer, backed Hawley’s election challenge efforts. They are all strong allies of President Donald Trump.

Republican Congresswoman Ann Wagner of Ballwin, St. Louis Democratic Congresswoman Cori Bush, Kansas City Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver and Blunt voted to uphold the election results.

Missourinet has contacted Hawley’s office multiple times seeking responses about these matters.

Copyright © 2021 · Missourinet

Missouri prepares for possible ‘uprising’ planned at all state capitols and U.S. Capitol

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An FBI memo is warning law enforcement in Missouri and nationwide of possible “armed protests” at all 50 state capitols and the U.S. Capitol in the run-up to Inauguration Day. ABC News reports the memo indicates threats of an “uprising” if President Donald Trump is removed from office before Inauguration Day.

Gov. Mike Parson

The news follows a pro-Trump mob taking over the U.S. Capitol last week, killing at least five people and vandalizing many parts of the building.

During a press conference today at the state capitol in Jefferson City, Gov. Mike Parson says precautions are being taken in Missouri.

“We’re quite aware of what’s going on there,” says Parson, a former Polk County Sheriff. “I think our state is a little different, compared to a lot of other states where you are seeing maybe some of these issues coming.”

The report says state, local and federal government courthouses and administrative buildings could be targets. The FBI is also getting reports of threats to harm Biden, Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

“People took action they should have never taken. I have said all along, whether it is in Missouri or its in Washington, D.C., I believe in civil protests. I believe people have the right to the First Amendment. But what I don’t believe is, I don’t believe anybody for any cause has the right to commit any crimes. Period,” says Parson, a Republican. “Whether it’s in Washington, D.C., whether it’s in Missouri, or whether it’s in any other state, if you are violating the law, then you are responsible for your own actions.”

Parson’s remarks followed tight security at Monday’s inauguration. Parson, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, Attorney General Eric Schmitt, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, and State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick were sworn into office.

Copyright © 2021 · Missourinet

Missouri’s Wagner says she will not challenge election results

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Four Republican U.S. House members from Missouri say they will vote against certifying the November election results, but not Congresswoman Ann Wagner. In a press release, Wagner, of Ballwin, says the Constitution and the 12th Amendment are clear – the power to elect the President of the United States lies with the States and the People, not Congress. She says to allow Congress to “alter the decided outcome of the election would irreparably damage our system of government and defy the Constitution.”

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner visits Jefferson City on February 25, 2020 (file photo from Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth)

Congressman Jason Smith of southeast Missouri’s Salem, Billy Long of southwest Missouri’s Springfield, Sam Graves of northwest Missouri’s Tarkio and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler of west-central Missouri’s Harrisonville plan to join Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley in protesting the election outcome.

They are all strong allies of President Donald Trump, who has alleged widespread election fraud in November.

Whether House Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer backs this effort is unknown.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, has reportedly said he will not contest the certification process.

The vote is scheduled to take place Wednesday.

Here is Wagner’s full statement:

“On January 3, 2021, I took a solemn oath before God and Country to, ‘support and defend the Constitution of the United States.’ I have faith in our nation’s legal process, believe in the rule of law, and will always uphold that oath to support and defend the Constitution.

“Article II of the Constitution and the 12th Amendment are clear. The power to elect the President of the United States lies with the States and the People, not Congress. Specifically each State ‘shall appoint, in such Manner as the (State) Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors’ and ‘the person having the greatest number of votes for President, shall be the President.’ It is time for Congress to count the electoral votes from each State and fulfill our Constitutional duty.

“I cannot and will not unconstitutionally insert Congress into the Presidential election in this manner. This would amount to stealing power from the People and the States. It would, in effect, replace the Electoral College with Congress, and strengthen the efforts of those who are determined to eliminate it or render it irrelevant.

“At this point, all States have certified their election results and electors and alleged irregularities have been taken to State and Federal court over five dozen times and rejected, even by judges appointed by President Trump.

“I even signed on to an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States asking the Justices to examine the election changes made by several States and determine if they went beyond the scope of the Constitution’s State legislative requirements. The Supreme Court made a ruling and rejected the merits of our filing in an exceptionally expeditious manner.

“Although some States needlessly injected controversy into this year’s election by making last minute ballot changes and casting doubt over the management and integrity of their election process, that controversy must be decided either by the States themselves, or the Supreme Court. Both avenues have been tried, the legal process followed, and with that comes a finality that Congress and our nation must respect.

“While I may not like the outcome of the election, that does not mean I can, nor should I, try to usurp the powers of the individual States of our republic. To allow Congress to alter the decided outcome of the election would irreparably damage our system of government and defy the Constitution. It is for these reasons I will not support any objection to the certification of electoral college results.”

Copyright © 2021 · Missourinet

Four Missouri U.S. House members join Hawley in objecting to certification of Electoral College results

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Four Republican U.S. House members from Missouri say they will vote against certifying the Electoral College results of President-Elect Joe Biden. Congressman Jason Smith of southeast Missouri’s Salem, Billy Long of southwest Missouri’s Springfield, Sam Graves of northwest Missouri’s Tarkio and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler of west-central Missouri’s Harrisonville plan to join Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley in protesting the election outcome.

Congressman Smith is a GOP Conference Secretary on Capitol Hill.

They are all strong allies of President Donald Trump. Trump has alleged widespread election fraud in November.

U.S.-Capitol

Whether House Republicans Ann Wagner and Blaine Luetkemeyer back this effort is unknown.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, has reportedly said he will not contest the certification process.

The vote is scheduled to take place next Wednesday.

Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Michael Butler released the following statement after Hawley’s announcement:

“President-Elect Joe Biden won a fair and free election, winning both the popular vote and the Electoral College. It’s past time to stop with the malarkey and move forward with a peaceful transition of power. Refusing to listen to the will of Americans and slowing this transition or refusing to work with the Biden transition team is dangerous and irresponsible,” says Butler.

Here is a joint editorial delivered to the press today from Smith, Hartzler, Graves and Long:

Next week, your 117th United States Congress will convene for the first time. After the election of Speaker and the adoption of the Rules of Congress, the action will quickly move to reading aloud the electoral votes submitted by each state from this past November’s election – counting them, and declaring the vote tally for President and Vice President. During that process, the question will be put before your elected officials – does anyone object to the certification of electoral votes of a state. We will object. Our hope is that others will join us.

We don’t take this decision lightly, but we must protect the integrity of each vote cast by every law-abiding Missourian. For every instance of Georgia failing to follow its own state law in verifying signatures, of Pennsylvania accepting mail ballots after the legal deadline set by its state legislature, or folks from outside Nevada casting a ballot in that state – the value of every Missourians’ vote is diminished. That’s not right. And we cannot simply look the other way.

The right to freely cast your vote in elections is a sacred privilege afforded to us as Americans because of the sacrifices of the patriots who fought for that right. When that process is spoiled and abused by officials not following their own state law, it violates that right and jeopardizes the entire integrity and foundation of ‘free and fair’ elections. In such instances, where voting process changes are made without the consent of the voter, we know it is our duty and our obligation to serve as a backstop to protect the power of one person, one vote – to protect your vote as a Missourian. We must be able to have confidence in not only the agreement and expectation that this election would follow the law, but future ones will as well. We take the responsibility of upholding the Constitution seriously, and that is why we feel compelled to object to the electoral count taking place on January 6th.

The reported results of this past November’s Presidential election don’t even pass the most basic eye test. Republicans were projected to lose seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, we gained more than a dozen. Republicans were supposed to lose control of several state legislatures, we picked up multiple. We were projected to lose control of the United States Senate – we didn’t, and we won’t. All of this occurred on the same night President Trump lost? It’s hard to believe. Combined with the daily reports of voting irregularities where state election laws were discarded and not followed, something doesn’t add up. President Trump won over 74 million votes, Obama – 69 million. President Trump won 2586 counties, Obama – 873 counties, Joe Biden – 527 counties. The numbers, the evidence, and the abnormalities all speak for themselves.

We have joined lawsuits, called for a Special Counsel and demanded accountability and integrity, now we finally get to cast our vote. We have no illusions about the outcome, at the end of the day, this is still Nancy Pelosi’s House. Our only hope is that more will join us – that more will value protecting the vote of every American living in their state as much as we do fighting for yours.