The Gang That Couldn't Vote Straight

Some Dems are having a hard time explaining their votes backing the NRA on a measure that would allow guns in national parks:

As they study the vote in Congress to ease gun restrictions in national parks, the National Rifle Association and gun-control groups agree on one important point: The final tally was a surprise.

In some cases, Democrats accidentally cast votes opposite of the way they intended — more proof, if any was needed, that the way the House of Representatives operates can be confusing even to insiders.

“There were certainly votes that weren’t expected,” said a satisfied Chris W. Cox, the NRA’s chief lobbyist.

At least 11 House Democrats (not including freshmen) who have typically sided with gun-control advocates on past votes this time around favored allowing state and local gun laws to take precedence over federal law in national parks.

Those 11 were Reps. Adam Smith of Washington, Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey, Ed Perlmutter of Colorado, Joe Courtney of Connecticut, Gregory W. Meeks of New York, Shelley Berkley of Nevada, Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, Hank Johnson of Georgia, Melissa Bean of Illinois, Patrick J. Kennedy of Rhode Island and Diana DeGette of Colorado.

“It was a mistake,” said DeGette’s deputy chief of staff, Kristofer Eisenla.

Meeks said he sided with the NRA “by accident.”

I'll bet they feel a little bit refreshed for having voted, even by accident, for the right thing once in their careers.