GUN LAWS

Advocates rally for 2nd Amendment

The Republican Liberty Caucus of Idaho will present a Guns Across America rally in the Capitol Rotunda at noon Saturday. The group is encouraging gun owners to show up in support of the Second Amendment, meet other gun owners and discuss gun issues.

It’s one of two rallies in Idaho aimed at encouraging participants to openly carry weapons as allowed by Idaho law in support of their Second Amendment rights.

Organizer Russell Thurston says shooting professionals from area shooting clubs will be on hand to provide information about firearms and safety.

Thurston said that the permits to assemble in the Capitol Rotunda were filed and approved; security is prepared for rally participants who may choose to attend the event with their firearms on state property. Attendees must comply with Idaho’s open-carry law or have a concealed-carry permit.

A rally and gun-appreciation event is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday at Black Sheep Sporting Goods in Coeur d’Alene.

Lawmakers are expected as guest speakers at both events.

Justin Beller, KIVI TV

HEALTH SCARE

Governor’s aide OK after allergic reaction

Jon Hanian says he suffered from anaphylactic shock when he began to pass out at the Capitol on Thursday morning. He was taken from the Capitol by an ambulance crew.

Hanian said he was on the phone with former House Speaker Bruce Newcomb, now a top aide to BSU President Bob Kustra, when he became ill. Newcomb called the governor’s office to be sure his colleagues knew what was up.

“Thank you Bruce and my awesome Governor’s Office co-workers. All good now. Not a big deal,” Hanian said in an email. “I cannot say enough about the professionalism of the Ada County Paramedics.”

Dan Popkey

RAUL LABRADOR

More talk on possible run for governor

Republican Rep. Raul Labrador told the Statesman last week that he hadn’t made up his mind about a bid for governor in 2014. He repeated that to Spokane’s alternative weekly, the Pacific Northwest Inlander, which includes several juicy tidbits for Labrador watchers.

He told reporter Daniel Walters, “I get calls almost every day asking me to run for governor,” a line that may be a signal that Labrador is preparing the groundwork for a run.

At the Statehouse, gossip is mounting about who might seek the open congressional seat should Labrador pull the trigger.

The article quotes Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Larry Grant on Labrador using his Puerto Rican heritage to thrust himself into the national spotlight on immigration. “Right now, I think he’s having a good time putting on a show,” Grant said. “Going on the talk shows, using his ethnic background in the Republican Party in order to advance his career.”

Dan Popkey