Transparency Delayed, Transparency Denied

SCOTUS FOIA decision sparks concern among watchdogs
Virginia State Capitol / AP

The Supreme Court unanimously upheld Virginia’s public records law Monday, which limits access to public records to state residents—a ruling that came as little surprise to legal experts but has government watchdogs worried.

Gun Guys Like Us

Review: Dan Baum’s ‘Gun Guys’ is a thoughtful romp through armed America
A man shoots an AR-15 rifle, at Dragonman's firing range and gun dealer, outside Colorado Springs, Colo. / AP

Dan Baum’s new book “Gun Guys” is essential reading for anyone trying to navigate the emotional terrain of today’s gun debate.

Vandalizing the NRA

Shepard Fairey introduces propaganda poster, ends gun control debate
Source: CJ Ciaramella

Propaganda-influenced artist turned art-influenced propagandist Shepard Fairey introduced his latest poster at a protest against the National Rifle Association in downtown Washington, D.C., Thursday.

McConnell Campaign Gets Rolling

Releases first ad for 2014 campaign
AP

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) will roll out a 2014 campaign video Thursday morning.

Gun-Grabbers Go After GOP

Giffords group launches ads attacking McConnell, Ayotte for gun votes
Mitch McConnell, Kelly Ayotte / AP

Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R., N.H.) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) are the first two members of Congress to be targeted for their votes on gun control following the Senate’s failure to pass legislation expanding background checks on firearm sales last week.

What’s Next For Gun Control

Reid pulls bill, Dems vow to continue fight, Republicans dig in
Reid speaking after failed gun legislation in Senate / AP

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) shelved his party’s gun bill Thursday after a stinging defeat the day before, but Democrats, the White House, and gun control advocates have vowed to keep fighting.

Perez Used Private Email for Gov Business

Emails to Planned Parenthood, New York Times, Talking Points Memo
Tom Perez / AP

Documents show Labor Secretary nominee Tom Perez used his private email account to leak information about official business while he was assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said in a Wednesday letter to Perez.

Prognosis Negative for Background Check Bill

Senate to vote on nine gun bills
Sen. Dianne Feinstein speaks about gun legislation on Senate floor, April 17 / AP

The Senate will vote on expanding background checks for firearm sales Wednesday afternoon, but what was once considered Democrats’ most viable option for gun control legislation does not appear to have the necessary 60 votes to proceed.

Remove and Replace

Senate Republicans ready substitute gun bill
Sens. Manchin, Toomey / AP

Senate Republicans are preparing a substitute to the background check legislation crafted by Sens. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) and Joe Manchin (D., W.V.), the Washington Free Beacon has learned.

Strange Comparisons

Rep. Moran compares gun violence to 9/11, ‘domestic terrorism’
Jim Moran / AP

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Rep. Jim Moran (D., Va.) compared gun violence in America to “domestic terrorism” and 9/11 at a gun control rally Saturday.