Will Wisconsin pass a similar law? Wisconsin is one of only two states that completely prohibits anyone but police officers and sheriffs' deputies from carrying weapons for self defense. Illinois is the other -- as well as the District of Columbia.
That could change in Wisconsin with Republicans controlling the Senate, Assembly and governor's office.
Governor-elect Scott Walker has said he would sign a bill allowing gun owners to carry firearms. Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, previously vetoed such bills.
Southwest Wisconsin lawmakers, State Sen. Dale Schultz, Rep. Lee Nerison and 49th Assembly Dist. Rep.-elect Travis Tranel, all Republicans, agree carry permit legislation will be enacted this year.
Schultz, who represents the 17th Senate District that includes all of Grant County, notes he's long been a supporter of carry permits. However, he emphasizes the GOP seized control of the statehouse on economic issues.
"The public is hungering for priorities -- and that's creating jobs, getting the economy going and getting the budget in order," he said.
Tranel, of rural Cuba City who was elected in November, said the carry permit adoption is only a matter of time.
"There is definitely a need for it," he said. "Guys who can't carry now are law-abiding citizens who are at a disadvantage to those who care less."
Tranel agrees with Schultz about setting priorities.
"We have to focus on jobs and the economy," Tranel said. "We were elected to do a job -- to turn the state around economically. Carry-conceal will happen -- just at the end (of the session), where it should be."
Bill Schmitz, Wisconsin Concealed Carry Association chairman, believes a bill will be crafted on carry permits.
"What it will look like, I have no idea," he said.
He cited three scenarios: "constitutional" carry, that would require no firearms training and a minimum of requirements; a law similar to Iowa's in terms of training requirements and a third option that favors 40 to 60 hours of training.
Poster Comment:
There go those E-Vile Republicans again trying to reaffirm the 2nd Amendment in Wisconsin.
But, but ,but what about Boooooooosh??