On Monday, Florida Republicans cheered a decision from the Supreme Court of the United States to strike down local gun-control laws and reminded voters about the importance of Second Amendment issues in Novembers battle for the U.S. Senate seat.
Former House Speaker Marco Rubio, running in a close contest with independent Gov. Charlie Crist for the Senate seat, praised the 5-4 ruling in MacDonald vs. City of Chicago.
"Todays Supreme Court ruling rightly reaffirms the constitutional right to keep and bear arms across America, regardless of where one resides, said Rubio. By striking down these unconstitutional laws, the court has correctly asserted that governments at all levels -- federal, state and local -- should be bound by this cornerstone constitutional right.
The two leading Republican gubernatorial candidates -- health-care executive Rick Scott and Attorney General Bill McCollum -- also praised the decision.
"I join with the my fellow conservatives in Florida and across the country in applauding the Supreme Court ruling that blocks the government from infringing on the rights of citizens to own handguns, said Scott. Today is truly historic for those of us who cherish our constitutional right to own guns.
"The MacDonald vs. City of Chicago ruling, which sides with the amicus brief I filed with 37 states some months ago, guarantees that the Second Amendment is treated as a fundamental right for Americans just as other rights enumerated by the U.S. Constitution," McCollum said in a statement. "Accordingly, gun owners will have their right to bear arms protected, not only against the federal government but also against any state or local government actions attempting to deprive Americans of this guarantee.
In his comments on the decision, Rubio touched on the importance of Supreme Court decisions -- and why the Senate has to proceed with caution on judicial hearings, including that of former Solicitor General Elena Kagan. Hearings in the Senate began on Monday for Kagan, who was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Barack Obama.
"As the confirmation hearings begin for Elena Kagan today, this ruling is a timely reminder of the important 'advise and consent' role the U.S. Senate plays regarding judicial nominations to the federal bench, added Rubio. This case demonstrates why it is so important that Democrats and Republicans conduct a rigorous and intellectually honest review of President Obamas newest Supreme Court nominee. The American people deserve no less, if we are to ensure that their constitutional rights are protected by only elevating judges who will interpret laws, not make policy from the bench.
While Rubio urged caution on the Kagan nomination, Republican Party of Florida Chairman Sen. John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville, expressed his opposition to Kagan. Thasher told Florida voters that Kagan could not be trusted on the Second Amendment -- and neither could Charlie Crist, Rubios chief rival for the U.S. Senate seat.
Elena Kagan and Justice Sonia Sotomayor have essentially the same view on the Second Amendment, said Thrasher. Neither believes that the right to keep and bear arms is a right guaranteed to individual Americans."
Thrasher used the opportunity to rip into Crist.
When he was trying to win the Republican nomination, Charlie Crist said he would oppose the confirmation of Justice Sotomayor due to her position on the Second Amendment, added Thrasher. Now as a candidate with no party affiliation, he says Elena Kagan would do a great job.
Floridians believe in the Second Amendment, and we need a United States senator who will defend that right when given the responsibility of confirming justices who could influence the rulings of the Supreme Court for generations, concluded Thrasher. If activist judges like Elena Kagan gain control of the Supreme Court, our individual right to bear arms for personal protection could cease to exist in this country. Does Charlie Crist still think shed do a great job?
Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 801-5341. Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com, or at (850) 727-0859.
