The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold what promises to be an incendiary hearing today on guns. Among the witnesses who will testify, the NRA’s Wayne LaPierre and former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who will make an opening statement. And the Senators themselves are sure to make headlines — the panel features Senators working hard to pass an assault weapons ban like Chuck Schumer and Dianne Feinstein, but also die-hard conservatives like Ted Cruz. Gun safety is the most politically charged issue of the day, and today’s hearing should define the battle lines.
The New York Times reports that while Republicans may be softening their line on immigration, but they’re not giving anything on guns. After losing the Latino vote by epic proportions, the GOP realized that it was no longer politically viable to take a hardline stance on immigration. But the shooting massacre last month in Newtown has only served to harden their position on guns. And guns and immigration are the biggest policy battles ahead, aside from the budget.
The Times also analyzes President Obama’s proposals on immigration, and what he can and can’t get done.
Can You Rig It? The plan to rig the electoral college system to help Republicans win is even too much for Republicans in Michigan and Ohio. And that’s good news for anyone who favors winning elections fair and square.
Hardball staff