Guns at the statehouse? Oh my!

Brad Zaun does it.

Some don't like it:

Carlos Jayne and his one-man-band, "It would be absolutely wrong to bring weapons into legislative bodies," Jayne said. "It would be almost like open season on public officials. It would be almost encouraging it. Man, that would be terrible."

Others think it's okay but within reason, like having permission from the state:

Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield said he too sees no problem with the public carrying firearms at the Capitol as long as they are trained, have a permit and have no history of crime or drug abuse.

Rep. Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, "If they are in compliance with other state laws and regulations, I would have no problem with it."

Thanks for the "qualified permission" guys.

Clel Baudler - bringing Chicago politics to Des Moines

Regarding the guns at the statehouse by our elected officials.

“That’s a rumor, and it’s a good rumor because it keeps the lobby at bay, it keeps you reporters away from me. It’s a great rumor.” — Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield, a former state trooper responding to a reporter’s question Friday whether he is among the state legislators who have carried a gun into the state Capitol for personal protection.

We have a state legislator intimidating others by using an implied threat against reporters and lobbyists at the same time avoiding the question.

Governor Branstad demands equality

He remarks that he wants "everyone treated the same" regarding legislators bringing guns in the statehouse. The inference is that legislators should be leaving their weapons at home instead of protecting themselves. But since common, ordinary citizens are restricted from bringing weapons there, who are they protecting themselves from?

Here's a thought: Why isn't the governor demanding citizens the same rights as the legislators?

The governor has his own protection detail of state troopers (something even high-horse legislators don't have). But according to the article:

The state administrative code, which does not exempt the Legislature or its staff, bars any member of the public from carrying a dangerous weapon in the Capitol complex buildings.

Can elected state officials exempt themselves from the law?

Iowa Gun Shows, May 2014

May 16-18, Sioux City, Convention Center

May 23-25, Mt. Pleasant, Old Threshers Park

May 30-June 1, Cedar Rapids, Hawkeye Downs

*** I get this list from the link below and other searches and I can't guarantee the accuracy of the list. If anyone notices a show that needs to be corrected or added, please let me know in the comments.

For more details go to Iowa Gun Shows