by Keith Kubista, Stevensville
Representative Wayne Rusk resists reinforcing our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
House Bill 551 was introduced during our last legislative session to enshrine carrying of concealed weapons into the Montana Constitution.
The bill would have strengthened the right of self-defense in Montana by recognizing the right to carry a concealed firearm as a constitutional right without first obtaining the government’s permission.
Fortifying our right of self-protection is more important than ever with the invasion by illegals committing violent acts and the high-crime situation Biden’s lack of border control has created.
Rep. Rusk, one of the Republican sponsors of HB 551 voted yes to pass it out of the House Judiciary Committee with all Republicans voting yes and all Democrats voting no.
Then came the crucial second and third readings where he went rogue yet again, voting no with all Democrats as he did on HB 372, depriving the citizens of Montana the opportunity to vote.
So why did Rep. Rusk oppose this measure that would have enhanced Montanans’ right to defend themselves, their families, and their communities? We may never know, but for some reason – perhaps for their supporting him for SD 44 – Rep. Rusk succumbed to the Democrats’ primary objective of the legislative session – “to prevent any constitutional amendments,” divulged by Missoula legislator Bob Carter (D) in a public meeting that occurred on 3-11-24.
We do not need a Senator who says one thing and does another, which seems to be a disturbing pattern when reviewing Rep. Rusk’s actions. Words matter, however, votes and voting records matter more.
Senator Theresa Manzella stood up for Montana Citizens RKBA and their values by supporting HB 551.
She is someone you can trust to uphold our rights under the Constitution of the United States as well as the Constitution of Montana.