Maine: Proposed Ban on Ammunition Magazine Defeated

On Thursday, January 27, the Maine Legislature's Legislative Council defeated a measure proposed by state Representative Anne Haskell (D-117), which would have banned the sale of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. Since the proposal was requested after the January 7 deadline, the ten person Legislative Council needed to approve the measure before it could be considered by the legislature. The measure failed by a 5 to 5 vote.

great news, im glad we didnt get suckered into this BS..... I have a question though, is this ban on mags pretty much the same thing as the other bigger bill hoping to ban 11+ mags nation wide, but for maine only? Just seemed kind of odd to have this one try to get passed at the same time the other one was in the works.

Also, what do you mean by a "5 to 5" vote? Meaning 5 out of 5 voted against it, or was it a wash with 5 votes against 5 votes?

The council's four Democrats and one Republican, Rep. Andre Cushing, R-Hampden, voted to allow the bill's consideration but the other five Republicans voted against it.

January 29

Council kills bill to ban high-capacity gun clips
The proposal would have prohibited sales in Maine of the type of ammunition used in Tucson.

AUGUSTA — Maine's legislative leaders have rejected a proposal to prohibit the sale of high-capacity ammunition clips.

The Legislative Council, which has six Republican members and four Democrats, voted 5-5 Thursday on a bill proposed by state Rep. Anne Haskell, D-Portland.

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Council-kills-bill-to-ban-high-capacity-gun-clips_2011-01-29.html

This is Good News, however; it ALSO Serves as a Reminder, similiar to The Heller Decision and The McDonald Decision BOTH Rendered by The United States Supreme Court, that, Our Firearm Rights again Hindged on ONE VOTE!

Legislative Council Members for the 125th Legislature

Sen. Kevin L. Raye, President of the Senate, Chair of the Legislative Council
Rep. Robert W. Nutting, Speaker of the House, Vice-Chair of the Legislative Council
Sen. Jonathan T. E. Courtney, Senate Majority Leader
Sen. Debra D. Plowman, Senate Assistant Majority Leader
Sen. Barry J. Hobbins, Senate Minority Leader
Sen. Justin L. Alfond, Senate Assistant Minority Leader
Rep. Philip A. Curtis, House Majority Leader
Rep. Andre E. Cushing, III, House Assistant Majority Leader
Rep. Emily A. Cain, House Minority Leader
Rep. Teresea Hayes, House Assistant Minority Leader

Thank you for taking the time to at least email me regarding your
concerns. The fact that I chose to vote to allow the issue to be
considered by the full legislature should not be construed as my
support for the measure. In fact as someone who strongly supports the second amendment rights of citizens in this state and as an NRA
member I do not feel this is a reasonable approach to solving the
problem.

It is not the clip or the weapon that kills it is the individual who
controls that weapon that may use it to do so.

That being said, there is a fundamental difference in how we who
control the majority should influence the course by which issues are
played out and if this matter needs a public hearing then at times
regardless of how we personally may feel it is important to respect
the rights of individuals to pursue discourse. That sir is what we as
elected officials are obligated to consider. Additionally, I was
approached by the sponsor who sought my support and agreed to comply
with certain requests from me as to the timing of consideration on
this bill.

Having observed the heavy handed course pursued by the other party's
leadership over the last few sessions and then having both watched and
participated in the citizen actions to repeal certain laws through
referendum it has become clear that when you stifle debate it at times
manifests itself in other unhealthier ways.

I am happy to discuss this matter further with you if you require
clarification. Thank you for taking your time to read this email and I
hope that it offers a better understanding of my actions in this
particular case.

Andre E. Cushing III
State Representative- District 39
(Dixmont, Hampden, Newburgh)