Democrats Closely Counting Votes on Thune Gun Permit Amendment

An amendment offered by Senator John Thune (R-SD) to the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1390) that would “allow gun owners to carry concealed firearms into states with similar gun regulations” has “once again highlighted the deep divide between Democratic Senators who favor stiff gun controls and those who back more lenient regulations,” Roll Call reports.

Democratic leaders are working to rally at least 41 Senators to vote against the amendment. But they lack the support of many in the moderate wing of the Conference — most notably Sen. Mark Begich (Alaska), who is co-sponsor of the amendment — and are already two votes down thanks to the absence of ailing Sens. Robert Byrd (W.Va.) and Edward Kennedy (Mass.).

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) said Monday that she would vote against the Thune amendment, noting that gun laws should remain a state issue. Liberal Senators hope McCaskill’s opposition is an indicator of how other independent-minded Members, such as Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), might vote.

Democrats are “closely counting” votes on this amendment, which will likely get a vote on Wednesday.  Opponents plan to rally support against the measure today.

A coalition of 400 city mayors is assisting with the counteroffensive by lobbying Congress, and Democratic Sens. Frank Lautenberg (N.J.), Bob Menendez (N.J.), Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) and Schumer, along with New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D), will speak against the amendment Tuesday.

Democrats were rattled earlier this year when an amendment sponsored by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) allowing guns on federal lands usurped legislation granting the District of Columbia a voting Member of the House. Coburn’s amendment has all but killed the bill.

POLITICO provides a quote today from Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who is trying to rally support against this amendment. He sees a very close vote developing:

“It’s going to be a close vote, no question about it,” Schumer said.

Update: Glenn Thrush reports that Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) is targeting around 6 to 8 moderate Democrats in trying to rally enough support to defeat the Thune amendment. He has “abandoned efforts to create a new amendment that would weaken or alter the measure.” Although some pro-gun amendments have passed earlier this year with the help of centrist members, Durbin thinks “this one is going to be different.”

Update Two: This amendment has been defeated by a vote of 58 to 39.