Repuke candidate for TN Gov wants to do away with gun permits...

[cynatnite]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam said he would sign legislation into law to eliminate Tennessee's existing permitting requirements for carrying handguns in public.

Haslam in a discussion with members of the Tennessee Firearms Association on Monday night noted that the state's permitting process was used as justification for expanding areas where guns can be carried, such as into state parks or bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.

But in Haslam's words: "If the Legislature passed that and brought that to me, I said I would sign it."

There are about 300,000 handgun carry permit holders in Tennessee. To qualify, they must pass a handgun safety course and pay a $115 fee. Permits are revoked for felony convictions and can be suspended for pending criminal charges or for court orders of protection.

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=13352435

[joeybee12]

1. In other words, felons wouldn't have to be hassled to get a permit...n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Why not just hand them out to felons as they leave prison?

Saves lots of time.

[damntexdem]

3. Hey, make the whole state a free-fire zone.

Then the people of TN could enjoy the effective security enjoyed by the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.

[Kalyke]

4. He's only doing this because he's been relatively gun-UNfriendly as

the mayor of my city, Knoxville.

http://www.wsmv.com/politics/25517399/detail.html

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/139926/193/Heart-of-the-Matter-McWherter-goes-after-Haslams-gun-stance

Either way, he's going to win, sadly. We don't have a Democratic Party in Tennessee - at least, I haven't seen it in about eight years.

[rrneck]

5. Bad idea. But it's probably just politics although it is Tennessee... nt

[AC_Mem]

6. I made the mistake

Of posting this in the "guns" section of DU when it showed up on the front page of our paper(hey, I'm still learning the ropes around here) and got blasted (pun intended) by pro-gunners.