Constitutional Law

Rep. Renee Ellmers reacts to shootings

Her reaction: open carry.

"She said she doesn't want so much security that she can no longer interact with constituents. "I love giving out hugs. I love getting hugs," she said.

Harnett County Sheriff Larry Rollins said his deputies are ready to provide security at any event if a politician asks for it ? or if they hear of a potential threat against a public official.

Rollins said Ellmers has a constitutional right to carry a gun, and he said he thinks it's good for her to be armed at times.

"Sometimes, it may not make any difference, but it has a potential to make a difference, I think, always," he said.

Democratic 11th District Congressman Heath Shuler also has said that he plans to carry a gun while in public. Republican 9th District Congresswoman Sue Myrick told The Charlotte Observer that she's a good shot and likely would carry a gun when she felt the need to do so."

Full post as published by Of Arms and the Law on January 21, 2011 (boomark / email).