Allen's Parting Shot Previously Supported by Webb

I wrote shortly after the election (much to the dismay of some Webb supporters) that Senator-elect Jim Webb would disappoint the wacky left . It looks like Webb will get his first opportunity with his support of a concealed firearms law being promoted by outgoing Senator George Allen:

WASHINGTON -- Departing U.S. Sen. George Allen, honoring a campaign pledge, has quietly introduced a bill that would let visitors carry a concealed firearm into a national park.

The Virginia Republican wrote to the Virginia Gun Owners Coalition a Nov. 4 letter outlining his gun views and mentioning his efforts to urge the secretary of the Interior to repeal the gun ban in national parks.

"Since no action has been taken, I will introduce legislation in the Senate in the week of November 13 to repeal the gun ban," Allen wrote three days before Election Day.

With Democrats about to take over Congress in January, it is not likely that such a controversial measure would win passage in the current lame-duck session.

In a twist, an Oct. 30 campaign letter by Jim Webb -- the Democrat who narrowly defeated Allen -- shows that he promised to introduce similar legislation.

"And I intend to get it to the floor for a vote," added Webb, who also noted his possession for many years of a concealed-carry permit and his regular shooting activity. A spokesman for the senator-elect said Wednesday that Webb had not studied the Allen bill.

Webb had previously announced support for such a bill (though not specifically this one), so it will be interesting to see what he does now. Has he become so beholding to the wackos that he'll renege on his support, or will he do what he promised to do during the campaign?