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Political shootout

April 5, 2006
By: Andrea Ramey
State Capital Bureau

Think before you shoot could be replaced by just shoot.

Andrea Ramey explains how lawmakers are changning the rules when it comes to breaking and entering.

Actuality:shoot1
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: "All in favor say I... 'I.' All opposed say no, 'No.' The I's have it."

Lawmakers gave first round approval to a bill that would give immunity to anyone who uses deadly force against a home intruder.

Some Democrats argue the bill gives people persmission to act violently before weighing other options.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: "Think about it as you go door to door campaigning in your district. Will the person think before they shoot you or based upon your voting record, will they shoot you first?"

Republicans argued the bill would send a strong message to criminals.

And based off the preliminary vote, the criminals may get it.

From the state Capitol, I'm Andrea Ramey.

####

It could've been a debate taken from a Western movie, the right to shoot those who unlawfully enter your home.

Andrea Ramey explains how lawmakers want to change the rules when it comes to breaking and entering.

Actuality:Shoot2
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: "I say to the criminals, do you feel lucky, punk?"

Jokes quickly turned into debate as lawmakers gave first round approval for a bill that would give immunity to people who shoot intruders.

Republican representative Marilyn Ruestman explained the genesis of her bill.

Actuality: Rust2
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: "This bill is about defense. The victim must no longer retreat. This is notice to the criminal who unlawfully enters or remains after unlawfully entering that their intrusion and endangerment of our families will not be tolerated.

Some Democrats argued the bill would give people permission to shoot before thinking.

But in the end, the political shootout fell mainly down party lines, with Democrats losing.

From the state Capitol, I'm Andrea Ramey.