Police Chiefs, Part II

The media are portraying yesterday's rejection of the Personal Protection Act by the Minnesota Police Chiefs Association as a setback. And I suppose it is, thinking purely in the short term. But think about this:

1) The MCPA has always opposed liberalization of concealed carry laws! But this year, they were actually dragged to the table - likely by their outstate membership, but that is a huge gain for PPA supporters.
2) Five years ago, Concealed Carry Reform Now couldn't get into legislators' offices, and their bills routinely died in committee. Today, CCRN members are in on all discussions, the bill nearly passed last year, and CCRN members are given nearly equal time in the news (outside of the editorial pages, of course).
3) Minnesota is getting more conservative.

My fearless prediction: the PPA may be defeated this year, but it will be every bit as close as last year. The plucky grassrooters of the CCRN will battle a full-court DFL and Media press to a standstill, maybe a near-victory. And next session, after a redistricting that will likely reflect Minnesota's growing conservatism, the bill will pass.

You heard it here first.