"Let me be very, very clear. I have no appetite for that," Casey Cagle told reporters Monday at the state Capitol.
A state Senate study committee looked at expanding the places where Georgians with concealed weapons permits may bring guns to possibly include churches and university campuses. Last year, lawmakers approved a bill permitting those with permits to carry concealed weapons in state parks, restaurants that serve alcohol and on public transportation. The law, which took effect July 1, spurred a legal battle at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after gun rights advocates argued that the airport qualified as public transportation. GeorgiaCarry.org is challenging the airport's designation as a "gun free" zone in federal appeals court. They lost the first round in U.S. District Court.
Cagle signaled Monday that he's not interested in a repeat of last year's heated gun battle that put Georgia in the crosshairs of the National Rifle Association, a powerful lobbying force among the state's ruling Republicans.
"We dealt with this issue last year and I think people should be content with where we are," Cagle said.
The chairman of the study committee on firearms, Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, said he plans to talk to Cagle. But he acknowledged that his opposition will probably make it virtually impossible for a gun bill to move.
"He has the power to control the agenda," the Republican from Sharpsburg said.
Seabaugh said there have been complaints that the state's definition of "public gatherings" is vague and has left gun owners and law enforcement confused about where guns are legal. He said the state should clarify the provision.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/1/216538