Democrat Leader Gronstal Throws Constituents’ Petitions on Floor; Stomps Off in a Huff

Local Gun Rights Group says Senator has Forgotten Who He Works For.

Des Moines, IA – Aaron Dorr, Executive Director of Iowa Gun Owners, didn’t receive quite the answer he was expecting when he approached Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal at the State Capitol on Thursday about supporting a gun rights bill currently in Committee.

            According to Mr. Dorr, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal threw hundreds of his own constituent’s petitions on the floor and stomped off after being casually approached about supporting S.F. 473 which would reform Iowa’s concealed carry laws.

            “I’ve never seen anything like it really,” said Mr. Dorr.

            “Most politicians will at least have the decency to smile, shake our hands and save their utter disgust for ordinary people for conversations with their staff and fellow politicians.  Senator Gronstal apparently can’t even keep up the facade.”

            Dorr said he had tried to speak to Senator Gronstal about supporting S.F. 473, “The REAL Right-to-Carry Bill” weeks ago, but received a noncommittal answer.

            His goal in approaching Senator Gronstal Thursday was to show the Senator just how many of his own constituents support passage of S.F. 473.  The petitions that Senator Gronstal threw on the floor were actually all from constituents living within his district.

            “Politicians forget who they work for sometimes,” said Mr. Dorr.  “Again, it’s not that often a politician will actually come out and show us so clearly what he thinks of his constituents, but voters can see when a politician starts to lose touch with his district.”

            Mr. Dorr went on, “Apparently, Senator Gronstal cares more about kowtowing to left-wing special interests than he does about supporting legislation his own constituents want.”

            “The truth of the matter is, it’s time to pass REAL Right-to-Carry in Iowa and Senator Gronstal needs to realize that.”

            Should S.F. 473 pass it would allow any Iowa citizen who chooses to carry a concealed handgun to protect themselves and their families.

            Currently, Iowa law does allow for conceal carry permits, but Mr. Dorr says the process is flawed.

            “Under current law, rogue government officials can and do deny conceal carry applicants a permit just because they feel like it.  It can be because they don’t like your politics, your family, your religion, the way you dress or the type of work you do.”

            Mr. Dorr said, “I think this is ridiculous.  I believe every adult has the God-given and constitutionally guaranteed right to self defense, and no government official should be allowed to curtail those rights just because they feel like it.

            “That’s why I believe folks need to start contacting Senate Majority Leader Gronstal now and demand the Senate takes action on S.F. 473.  Iowa citizens need to see exactly where their candidates stand on this legislation, and that can only happen with an up-or-down vote.

            “If it’s defeated, so be it.  Iowa citizens will see where their candidates stand, and we’ll see where the chips fall after the next election.

            “But one thing Iowa citizens won’t tolerate is the type of disrespectful stonewalling exhibited by Senator Gronstal,” said Mr. Dorr. 

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