Liberals Lash Out at Gun-Rights Democrats

On every defeated gun amendment today, more Democrats voted on the gun-rights side than Republicans crossed to the gun-control side. Fifteen Dems voted against Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-Calif.) assault weapons ban. Ten voted against an amendment to limit the size of ammunition magazines to 10 rounds.

Liberal ire was particularly strong against the four Democrats who voted against the Toomey-Manchin background check compromise: Max Baucus (Mont.), Mark Begich (Alaska), Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), and Mark Pryor (Ark.).

Heitkamp on her votes: “I’ve been adamant from the very beginning of this conversation that the focus should be on mental health issues, full and accurate reporting into the NICS database and ensuring that we are prosecuting criminals in possession of or trying to possess firearms. This conversation should be about what is in people’s minds, not about what is in their hands. I commend Senators Manchin and Toomey for working so hard to bring a serious bill to the floor. However, in its current form I do not see a path for my support. I’ve thought long and hard about this, I’ve taken the tough meetings, and I’ve heard overwhelmingly from the people of North Dakota; and at the end of the day my duty is to listen to and represent the people of North Dakota.”

Senator Heidi Heitkamp of N Dakota – democrat who voted no on gun control today – Disappointed Heidi – voters say NO 2 u on Election Day

— Rosie O’Donnell (@Rosie) April 17, 2013

We expect Republicans to vote stupid but these Democrats joined them against Gun Reform: Max Baucus, Heidi Heitkamp, Mark Pryor, Mark Begich

— From A Citizen (@CuestionMarque) April 18, 2013

Take the pledge: not one red cent to the #DSCC unless they announce Pryor (AR), Begich (AK) and Heitkamp (ND) won’t receive party support.

— Blue Texan (@BlueTexanTweets) April 18, 2013

We know who you areYou are WHORESYou WILL be publicly shamedSen Max Aucus MTSen Mark Bergich AKSen Heidi Heitkamp NDSen Mark Pryor AR

— Michelle Clifford (@sleazoidexpress) April 18, 2013

Democrats who voted against the amendment, Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont., Mark Begich, D-Alaska, Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and Mark Pryor, D-Ark.

— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) April 18, 2013

@senatedemsSens Heidi Heitkamp, Max Baucus, Mark Begich & Mark Prior:You have Blood on your hands. What a cowardly vote. #backgroundCHK

— Eric Kees (@N7HWW) April 18, 2013