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Idaho House Passes Bill Using Controversial Tactic to Combat Obama Admin’s Gun Control Plans

Mar. 12, 2013 7:51am Billy Hallowell

Idaho’s House of Representatives passed a measure on Monday that would make it a crime for state and local authorities to enforce new gun control measures enacted by Washington. The largely symbolic measure, a clear reaction to the Obama administration’s attempts to further restrict firearms, passed in the state house by 55-13. It will now head to the senate for approval, Reuters reports.

The bill, which has created intense debate, issues some strict penalties for law enforcement officials who comply with federal law to enforce potential new restrictions. State and local authorities could be fined up to $1,000 and spend up to a year in prison for doing so. The offense would be considered a misdemeanor.

Idaho House of Representatives Passes Law Against Obamas Gun Control Measures

Chance Novak, 18, left, and his father Chet Novak, both of Boise, stand outside the Idaho Statehouse after a pro-gun rally on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 in Boise. Credit: AP

The controversial bill was drafted by state Rep. Mark Petterson, a Republican. While on the floor discussing the bill, Petterson heralded it as an opportunity to let citizens in the state know that their Second Amendment rights will be protected.

“[Idaho] citizens are pleased they can feel safe Idaho’s law enforcement will not be kicking in their front doors to take their firearms,” Patterson said while debating the bill.

While the bill passed the House and while it certainly has its supporters, there are some who have major reservations about its central tenets.

Allen Tesky, right, stands with members of the Lightfoot Militia during a gun rights rally on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The Light Foot Militia was present during the event to advocate the importance of individual firearms ownership. Credit: AP

The head of the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association, for one, warns that the measure could harm state programs that seek to collaborate with federal officials to crack down on gun violence and drug trafficking On Monday, Democratic Rep. Elaine Smith added that she doesn’t want to see federal officials being pitted against local police.

Also, other critics note that the bill creates an inherent battle for officials who swear an oath to abide by both federal and state laws.

“They take an oath of office to the United States and the state of Idaho,” explained Boise Democratic Rep. Holli Woodings, according to the AP. “I find that an inherent flaw in this legislation.”

(H/T: Reuters)

Featured Image: Shutterstock.com.

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Comments (64)

TRSFrancisco
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 10:54am
I love these stories. The only peaceful way to stop Obama and his progressive/liberal/leftist/commie ilk is for the states to stand up to the federal govt and fight for their state rights. I wish more would talk about the DHS stock piling gear. It’s scary. http://wp.me/p30zk7-bD Many of the stories linked to in this article came from the blaze, but I haven’t seen them all compiled into one place yet. We all know Alex Jones is a little crazy, my Forbes posted something about the ammo purchases yesterday, and that got my attention. Please read.

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- tajloc
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:49am
  ya gotta see this vid.
  Black conservatives supporting the 2cd.
  http://www.youtube.com/embed/9RABZq5IoaQ?feature=player_embedded
  Pass it around.
  
  Report this comment
Kinnison
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 10:46am
Note that both Representatives objecting to the proposed law are Democratic and female. Idaho is one of the reddest states in the union. There aren’t enough Democrats in our legislature to put together a game of double-deck pinochle. I see no disconnect when taking the combined oaths for law enforcement personnel, because on the federal level they are swearing to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and any laws passed at the Federal level directing the confiscation of citizens’ personal firearms would be, on their face, unconstitutional and a direct violation of the 2nd Amendment.

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- benaiah
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 3:38pm
  Thanks for saving me a lot of time. the last half of your post you took right out of my mouth.
  The office of Sherrif is the constitutional head of law enforcement!
  
  Report this comment
- blarman
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 3:13pm
  Second that. I’ve lived in Boise for >25 years and love it here. Though there is definitely the potential for a state vs Fed conflict in the law, Wyoming passed a similar law in their state.
  
  Report this comment
termyt
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 10:12am
“Also, other critics note that the bill creates an inherent battle for officials who swear an oath to abide by both federal and state laws.

‘They take an oath of office to the United States and the state of Idaho,’ explained Boise Democratic Rep. Holli Woodings, according to the AP. “I find that an inherent flaw in this legislation.’”

So – what about Federal officials that take an oath to the Constitution but pass and enforce laws that violate the Constitution? Which oath should the State of Idaho accept?

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- Redfor
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 10:27am
  Problem is that They Seem to be forgetting it is their job to REPRESENT the people and NOT their Ideals. Far as I can tell, seems like the people of Idaho have spoken.
  
  Report this comment
BlasberryStrat
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:52am
Why does it seem that it’s all the Dem. House and Senate “CHICKS” that are heading all the B/S against guns? It’s like they had some kind of Democratic Woman’s Convention and “gun control” was the major brain washing topic, and they had a date set when they would all “lash out” at the same time. Do these women actually ‘believe’ that taking guns from Americans homes will make THEM safer?

I was going to comment that it’s the chicks and Obama…..but he’s pretty much a chick anyway….

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SpodeDaddy
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:49am
I’m a Boise resident.
The state made the same noises over ObamaCare then recently folded like a lawn chair.

Now they are working on Drone legislation , originally sold as limiting usage but has morphed into
“The Big Sis Dream Act”.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/capitol-watch/Drone-bill-to-go-before-Idaho-Senate-196844051.html

John

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- battles
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 10:27am
  In Idaho, it might be better called: The .308 Anti-Drone Act
  
  Report this comment
- ambivelentone
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 1:59pm
  As a lifelong Idahoan from 3 generations back…you should move back to California. There are 3 bright blue holes in this red state, Boise, Ketchum, and Coeur d’ Alene…all due to the locust migrating from Cali, Oregon, and Washington. You’ve destroyed your homes and now you have moved here to destroy ours…
  
  Report this comment
HOOT_OWL
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:31am
It would be nice to see more states doing this. Although get ready for the big ska-weeeze..!
This measure is going to cost them .The federal government is all about give and take.
The federal government gives the states the money then takes control .

No control.. No money. Freedom is not free..

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- Krutch
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 10:17am
  Solution: with hold federal $’s from DC. Collect the taxes but don’t send them to DC! If DC don’t get it it can’t threaten to keep those $’s.
  Somehow it could be done if the state pols woud just have the ****** to find the legal route and do it!
  
  Report this comment
OldSurfRat
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:23am
Voting no longer matters. It has gone the way of calling one a racist (Void of Meaning).
Soon we will no longer say that a person was voted in because we will no longer care. It will mean nothing and will not be acknowledged by 50% of the country no matter what party is voted in.
I fear we have past the point of return. I pray that this will change but I have a hard time seeing that happening.

Our federal government has over reached it’s powers by so much that I can see no other way to right this ship without some really hard times ahead.

I have been blessed to live a long and happy life in America and never thought I would see the day that my government would become the enemy. I am not referring to our military and will support them if and when the time comes as long as they stand by their oath.

But the political class has lost my support and my loyalty.
Each state must grab control and stand their ground no matter what the cost.

May God be with us in the coming days. They may very well be times that will be referred to in the history books as the darkest times to ever hit this country.

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- benaiah
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 3:45pm
  Amen.
  
  Report this comment
term limits for congress
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:22am
DOJ and Big Sis will beat Idaho into submission.

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UBETHECHANGE
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:10am
Constitution of The State of Idaho

Article III Legislative Department

Section 25. Oath Of Office. The members of the legislature shall, before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices, take or subscribe the following oath or affirmation: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of senator (or representative, as the case may be) according to the best of my ability.” And such oath may be administered by the governor, secretary of state, or judge of the Supreme Court, or presiding officer of either house.

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HuskerDave
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:53am
“They take an oath of office to the United States and the state of Idaho,” explained Boise Democratic Rep. Holli Woodings…

Democrats can never seem to get this right. They swear an oath to the CONSTITUTION – not to the ‘dear leader.’

No conflict between the Constitution and this Idaho law.

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Xanderson
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:40am
Wow! How can Idaho and Colorado both exist within the same United States? Crazy times!

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- Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:51am
  Indeed, and I can see Obama via Holder and the DOJ striking hard at the legislature of Idaho for trying to thwart Obama and his insane agenda. I hope they hold fast and hard to what is right.
  
  Report this comment
maggiepie
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:25am
Politicians have taken an oath to defend the Constitution. They should be held to that oath.
If they do not want to honor their oath, they should be voted out of office. Not just in Idaho, but
in every state. They forget, they work for the people. Politicians Get It Right or be on the Unemployment Line.

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- mikem1969
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:35am
  Problem is, there are far to many idiots out there voting early and often to keep these commie pinkos in office.
  
  Report this comment
- cosette
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:37am
  @ Maggiepie Correction…. They should be removed from office immediately. Breaking your oath should ALWAYS require the most severe penalty. Otherwise why is it required?
  
  Report this comment
wilbstal
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:25am
hopefuly they can shoot a bunch of Communist there and America will have less problems elsewhere

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PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:22am
The oath of office is to The State Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The oath is NOT to Un-Constitutional Political Agendas. Sounds like they need to replace, recall the head of the Idaho Sheriff’s Association. I hope Idaho Senate will also vote in the affirmative. Best Wishes Idaho…Only the Brave will survive these illegal actions by the corrupt, insane, power-grabbing, criminal, government!

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ares338
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:21am
“They take an oath of office to the United States and the state of Idaho,” explained Boise Democratic Rep. Holli Woodings, according to the AP. “I find that an inherent flaw in this legislation.”
??.???????.???????
What’s that got to do with anything? The Senate and the House take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution but they re trashing it daily. Screw federal officials!

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huey6367
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:20am
Never have we had a President where the majority of the people disagree with him to the point they will openly defy him. This can only lead to bad things. It worries me but I saw it coming.

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- Will-db
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 10:01am
  ‘The majority of people’?
  
  Most Americans are actually in favour of gun control legislation such as increased background checks.
  
  What is the Obama legislation that people are willing to defy? AFAIK he hasn’t introduced anything yet.
  
  Report this comment
dublinthewagons
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:16am
Democrats are bent on a civil war. The armed against the unarmed. That is smart thinking huh.

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- BaldingEagle1776
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:27am
  Only according to paranoid talk radio listeners like yourself is anyone “bent on civil war.” Seems to be all you tea folks want.
  
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- jungle J
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:46am
  BaldingEagle1776…dublinthewagons is a progressive veiled as a sane person….it is your people that make the ridiculous statements and do the violent things…quit pretending.
  
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- cosette
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:55am
  @ Baldingeagle… Interesting screen name considering your proclivity to ignore the usurping of power taking place in this country. Contrary to ObaMaos wishes he will not remain president for life. One day, God willing sooner rather than later, he will be replaced, perhaps by a real American with an agenda different from his. Or by someone worse than him, if that’s possible, who may turn his ire on you too. You confuse paranoia with vigilance. Us Tea (?) folks don’t want a civil war, but we certainly won’t run from one. We would rather those elected to office live up to the oath they take. But when they don’t, and if it results in civil unrest so be it. We will defend the constitution they choose to ignore. Thank God there some Americans left who actually give a damn.
  
  Report this comment
- BaldingEagle1776
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:01am
  Cosette, you’re speaking in tongues again. “ObaMao?” Please, I don’t understand tea-nut dialect.
  
  Report this comment
- dublinthewagons
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:04am
  Progressives can’t hide behind a veil, as a veil doesn’t cover up the stinch.& progressives are incapable of rational thoughts.
  
  Report this comment
- dublinthewagons
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:11am
  Baldeagle: there is a world of things you don’t understand. Some minds never mature.
  Your mind has developed into manure.
  
  Report this comment
- BaldingEagle1776
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:15am
  Dublin, what is this “stinch” you speak of?
  
  Report this comment
- 00100111
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 10:17am
  Baldie. Wow, making fun of spelling. You sure zinged him. It must be so enlightening living in your mother’s basement, eh?
  
  Report this comment
- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 10:33am
  BALDINGBEAGLE, Wow, you got here rather early this morning. Did the public library change their hours because of the DST change?
  00100111, That is so true, considering how many typos he has made even in his names.
  
  Report this comment
- cosette
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 11:27am
  Balding…. I’m always happy to translate for the LoFoVo (Low inFormation Voter). ObaMao.. Based on their shared ideology,an appropriate combination of Obama and Mao. Get it?
  
  Report this comment
NO_MORE_OBAMA
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:13am
Damn I wish I didnt hate living in the cold. I would move there.

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- Fubared
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:52am
  It’s a dry cold. Good for Idaho.
  
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- Ssmicheal
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:06am
  Its not cold in Boise
  Lived there 35 years
  Short cold winter but very nice the rest of the year
  Lots of people with guns too :-)
  
  Report this comment
- benaiah
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 3:52pm
  Attended many church events in Nampa as a kid. Always thought it was a pretty state.
  
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Taurnil
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:11am
They *should* be taking an oath to uphold the Constitution and not anything lesser.

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- huey6367
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:21am
  How do you uphold the Constitution when you have a President that doesn’t?
  
  And he did take an oath to do so.
  
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- dublinthewagons
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:30am
  Huey: an oath from a compusive liar is no good at all. He should be impeached, but that takes too much time. Then you have Harry Reid to block it.
  
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FlagWavingPatriot
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:04am
They should have called it what it is–treason.

If the anti-gun nuts want to infringe on our rights, there is only one way to do it, and that’s by Constitutional amendment. Any workaround, any legislation to subvert the existing 2nd Amendment should be considered treason.

These lawmakers took an oath to support and defend the Constitution. They didn’t take an oath to support and defend only the parts of the Constitution they like. They’re breaking that oath and they’re enemies to our Constitution (and thereby, our nation).

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- Taurnil
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:14am
  Agreed.
  
  Report this comment
lookes2003
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:00am
“They take an oath of office to the United States and the state of Idaho,” explained Boise Democratic Rep. Holli Woodings, according to the AP. “I find that an inherent flaw in this legislation.”

No!! You took an oath to uphold the US Constitution and Bill of Rights! ‘Shall Not Infringe’
Get it right dems!

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travlman77
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:00am
They take an oath of office to the United States and the state of Idaho,” explained Boise Democratic Rep. Holli Woodings, according to the AP. “I find that an inherent flaw in this legislation.”

They take an oath to up hold the US Constitution, and that trumps any law that goes against the Constitution!

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Northrockies
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:00am
That would be one reason I love it here. Potatoes for every meal is the other reason!

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piper60
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 7:58am
Rep Smith would rather cowtow to the feds than stand up for her citizens’ individual rights, I see. Typical Democrat, bowing at the statue of the dear leader.

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ThePostman
Posted on March 12, 2013 at 7:55am
Bravo Idaho!

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