Connecticut Dem Invokes Thatcher's Name in Gun Control Push

The Democratic congresswoman who represents the district with Sandy Hook Elementary School invoked Margaret Thatcher in a gun-control push this morning.

Connecticut lawmakers including Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D) and Chris Murphy (D) hit the airwaves this morning along with Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.) as the Senate plans to begin debate on gun-control legislation.

“Here in Connecticut, which is a big gun state, we have arms manufacturers here, it’s part of our economic base and my district, for example, has many gun owners and hunters. And the home of the largest sponsor of gun shows is actually based in Newtown,” Esty said on MSNBC. “And yet here in Connecticut, we were able to listen to the people and to get a bipartisan bill passed, comprehensive reforms that enhance public safety and that’s really what we need to tightly focus on — what can we do to make our communities — to make our children safer. And that’s all we’re asking for in Congress.”

President Obama travels to the University of Hartford this afternoon for a gun-control rally as part of the coordinated offensive.

“I think that helps underscore the cost of political inaction. And I’m reminded with your reporting earlier today of Maggie Thatcher, we need to be strong,” Esty said.

“…We need to be bold and we need to be strong here. And this is a time not to back down to special interests, but to do what’s right for the American people who overwhelmingly support the common sense elements.”

Thatcher was in office when parliament passed the Firearms (Amendment) Act of 1988, tightening gun restrictions in the wake of the 1987 Hungerford massacre that left 16 dead in Berkshire.

Esty said there’s hope for getting gun control through the Republican-controlled House because the Violence Against Women Act got through.

“I think every member of Congress will be hearing from their constituents that they want their children to be safe in school. They want them to be safe walking to the bus stop and going to school. We need to be safer in our communities and this is something — it is common sense — common sense gun safety laws, stronger laws to protect every citizen in America,” Esty said. “I think they’re gonna be hearing that from their own people.”