Rep. Michael Castle (R-Del.) is set to propose legislation in the House to re-authorize the Clinton Gun Ban (a/k/a "Assault Weapons Ban"). Castle thinks there are enough Republican votes to combine with Democrat votes to pass the gun control bill. He also notes that there are procedures to bring the bill to the floor for a vote without the support of House leadership. If the bill does come to a vote, what would the Republicans do?

Some Republicans, like President Bush, have already expressed support for gun control, but they aren't exactly pressing the issue. They realize it is a political loser, but if it actually comes up for a vote, who knows what might happen. The Senate has already shown that they support extending the ban, so the House may just be the final piece of the puzzle. It is because of this that the NRA has thus far withheld an endorsement for George Bush's reelection campaign.

Most surprisingly, Republicans don't seem to be phased by the cold reception they are getting from gun owners, because they just know we won't vote for John Kerry.

Castle downplayed the significance of an NRA endorsement, saying a vast majority of NRA members are not going to vote for Kerry, whether Bush gets the group's backing or not.

While that may be true, Republicans are by no means guaranteed that gun owners will be flocking to the polls to vote for Bush.

The Republicans brushing aside of gun owners reminds me a lot about how Democrats treat blacks and other minorities. Year after year, the Democrats take the black vote for granted, because they just know that by and large they wouldn't dare vote for a Republican. The GOP seems to be using the same strategy for gun owners.

Personally, I am still undecided about this year's election. I know for certain that I will not vote for Kerry, but I still have not made up my mind about Bush. If come November, I'm still not permitted to own a gun with bayonet lugs or a pistol grip, it won't be Bush's name that I write down.