Sen. Bob Casey changes stance, supports new gun laws

[onehandle]

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

WASHINGTON - Sen. Bob Casey, who has long opposed new gun laws, said Wednesday that he had changed his views in the aftermath of last week's shootings in Newtown, Conn., and would support bills to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips.

In an interview in his office, the ordinarily staid Casey (D., Pa.) told The Inquirer that he was "haunted" by the images and reports of children killed in their school, and teachers slain trying to protect them. He said his wife confronted him as he reassessed the issue over the weekend.

Furrowing his brow and casting his eyes downward, Casey expressed regret that he had not reconsidered his views as starkly after earlier massacres at Virginia Tech and in Aurora, Colo.

"The power of the weapon, the number of bullets that hit each child, that was so, to me, just so chilling, it haunts me. It should haunt every public official," said Casey, who won a second term six weeks ago while touting his opposition to gun control.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/congressional/20121220_Sen__Bob_Casey_changes_stance__supports_new_gun_laws.html

[Sherman A1]

1. Perhaps

just perhaps, we are seeing the tipping point.

[Cosmocat]

6. He just won reelection

The event is signficant, but it is no coincidence that he had his come to Jesus moment right after he got a 6 year reup.

He also is a senator.

The issue is not the senate, the issue is a House run by radical right wing jackasses.

[Sherman A1]

7. Agreed

but, it's a huge start.

[rosesaylavee]

2. If I were a public official

it would be hard for me NOT to feel I had blood on my hands.

Let's hope they get these weapons off the street sooner rather than later.

[MrSlayer]

3. They should all be made to walk through that crime scene.

Every last nationally elected official should have to survey that carnage firsthand. Then come back and explain why gun rights should be even less regulated.

[still_one]

4. Mr. anti-abortion and birth control finally realizes that assault weapons kill people

[mwb970]

5. People don't matter, only fetuses. /nt

[blue neen]

9. Senator Casey is not anti-birth control.

...thought you might just want to know.

[still_one]

10. Really, then why did he vote for the blunt measure which allows any employer to deny birth control

Coverage?

That is anti-birth control thought you just might want to know

However I will concede at times one can argue he is conflicted

[blue neen]

11. I disagreed with that vote, also,

and called his office to let Senator Casey and his staff know it.

If you want to know why he voted for the measure, you could call his office and ask why. It's a fair question.

[still_one]

12. He isn't my senator, so I am not sure they would receptive to someone out of states. I was actually

Sincere when I said Casey is conflicted at times, and I meant that in a good way

I will also agree, at least on most social issues he is progressive

[Ter]

15. That really doesn't make him anti birth control

Banning condoms or birth control pills would, and he doesn't support that.

[still_one]

17. Perhaps, but if an insurance company decides not to cover it, that implies it, especially

When the blunt amendment does include Viagra, it is pretty anti-women as I see it

[hatrack]

8. Uh-huh - and in two days, he'll do a Manchin - talking about his "friends" at NRA who are "hurting"

The only variable with these assholes is the length of the chain, which dictates how much time it takes for their necks to be snapped back by their masters.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

13. Hate to say it but politicians go with whatever winds are blowing,

like they did on the invading Iraq vote.

[Odin2005]

14. He's a Centrist wind sock, so that's not suprising.

[democrattotheend]

16. No he's not

He's anti-choice but he's always been a strong labor backer. And good on other economic issues as well.