Guns and Colorado Politics

The debate over gun control and rights continues to bedevil Colorado politics. Democratic legislators, chastened after losing three state senators to recalls or their threat, tried to lower the visibility and temperature of the issue by allowing unhindered testimony on gun control repeal measures before quietly defeating them in partisan votes.

But, unfortunately for them, if the latest Quinnipiac poll is to be believed, the gun rights issue remains highly visible and contentious among Colorado voters. Voters are protective of gun rights and hostile to new stricter laws, but supportive of some regulation, just not all. Hence, the political battle will continue in 2014, with both parties seeking advantage. And, polls and public opinion will be a regular part of the argument.

More gun control laws generate partisan polarization and gender gaps. Independent voters in this survey oppose more control, but there are little discernable generational gap.

Voters pick and choose measures to control guns leaning to the less restrictive.

• Universal background checks – near universal support: 86% total; 86% Republicans; 97% Democrats
• 15 bullet magazines – closely divided support: 50% total; 26% Republicans; 83% Democrats
• Armed teachers – bare majority support: 50% in favor; 45% opposed; 61% of 18 to 29 years olds favor

Another indication the issue will have traction in the 2014 election is it’s listed as the third biggest issue among voters in deciding the governorship, and Governor Hickenlooper is judged doing an inadequate job on gun policy by 54 percent to 31 percent.

Democrats’ automatic reaction that every gun-related tragedy requires more gun restrictions is becoming a political liability. The percentage of people against more laws is increasing and they are passionate. As I said on NBC Nightly News after the two recall elections: “Every politician in the country now knows passing gun control legislation can be dangerous for your political career.” (Sept. 11, 2013)

See:
Gallup: Americans’ dissatisfaction with gun laws highest since 2001
9News: GOP effort to repeal ammo magazine limits fails