Nieves Drops Out of Re-Elect Primary March 14, 2014

Post Dispatch:

JEFFERSON CITY • Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, is no longer seeking re-election.

Nieves withdrew his papers this afternoon, following a 1,600-word Facebook post this weekend hinting that he might do just that.

Nieves could not be reached for comment.

In his Facebook post, he endorsed House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, to run for the primary. Jones is term limited out of his position.

It was reported that Nieves — known for controversial bills such as one that would nullify federal gun laws — would drop out of his re-election race for the 26th district seat, making room for Jones.

Jones — who has been raising support for a run in the Republican primary for state attorney general — would not say if he would file for the primary. Filing ends March 25.

Rep. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, filed in the primary against Nieves for the 26th district seat.

In a news release sent this week, Schatz pledged a full, four-year term in the seat.

“The people of Franklin and St. Louis counties deserve a State Senator who will focus on them, not the next office they plan to run for,” Schatz said.

KWMU: Future of St. Louis Area Conservatives has State Politicos Buzzing March 1, 2014

KWMU via Johncombest.com

Until this week, most of the attention directed at state Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, has focused on his outspoken conservatism and his efforts to block some federal gun laws.

But now the chief question is whether Nieves is preparing to quit the state Capitol.

Nieves said in two text messages this week, the latest on Friday, that he’s not yet ready to discuss the situation — but many others are.

As expected, Nieves showed up Tuesday on the first day of candidate filing and filed for re-election this fall. But shortly before 5 p.m., state Rep. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, filed to challenge Nieves in the August primary.

Schatz’ filing, in turn, may have opened the door to other top Republicans considering whether to jump in as well. They include former state Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield, and state House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka.

The 26th District now represented by Nieves spans from Franklin County to west St. Louis County. The district took in more close-in suburbs as a result of redistricting in 2011.

Almost half of the 26th District’s voters reside in St. Louis County, a far cry from the district’s more rural demographics when Nieves first was elected to the Senate in 2010 in what was arguably the most combative Republican primary in the region that year.

Still, with no prominent Democratic opponent looming, Nieves had been expected to coast to re-election this fall.

But other considerations may intervene. By several accounts, Nieves has been mulling over various business opportunities that would pay more than the roughly $35,000 he earns now in the state Senate.

Even so, some close to Nieves say he was shocked by Schatz’s action – although Schatz said he had discussed the matter with Nieves before filing.

More: http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/republicans-tizzy-over-nieves-possibly-leaving-state-senate

Missouri Senate Approves Federal Gun Nullification Bill Again February 21, 2014

Post Dispatch:
JEFFERSON CITY • The Missouri Senate on Thursday passed a bill on federal gun law nullification.

The federal gun law nullification bill, sponsored by Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, passed on a vote of 23 to 10.

The bill would declare all federal gun laws null and void, and law enforcement agents enforcing those bills would be subject to up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.

An amendment added to the bill last week, which would require individuals to report a gun theft within 72 hours, sparked criticism from the National Rifle Association.

Prior to that, the NRA had remained silent on the issue.

On Monday, Senate members stripped the amendment from the bill.

A similar gun measure passed the Legislature last year and was vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon

Mo. Senate Poised to Pass Federal Gun Law Nullification Again February 20, 2014

(AP) – Missouri senators are expected to pass legislation that would send federal agents to jail for enforcing some federal gun laws.

The measure on the Senate’s Thursday calendar provides for any federal law considered by the state to infringe on gun rights to be declared null and void in Missouri. Federal agents enforcing those laws could face up to a year in prison and a $1,000.

Courts have consistently ruled that states cannot nullify federal laws. But supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect law-abiding gun owners from intrusive federal regulations. Opponents say it wouldn’t survive a court challenge.

Earlier this week, the Senate stripped a provision requiring gun thefts to be reported within 72 hours.

Senate approval of the bill would send it to the House.

Missouri Senate Looks at Federal Gun Law Nullification Again February 12, 2014

(AP) – Missouri’s Senate has started debate on legislation that seeks to send federal agents to jail for enforcing gun control laws.

The Republican-led Senate began considering the measure Tuesday evening. It would declare federal gun controls laws that infringe on gun rights to be null and void. Federal agents enforcing those laws could be prosecuted and punished by up to one year in jail.

Sponsoring Republican Sen. Brian Nieves, of Washington, says the measure protects liberties. A Senate Democrat argues the measure would lead to more violence.

The measure would be likely to face a court challenge. And courts have consistently ruled that states cannot nullify federal laws.

The bill would also allow designated school personnel to carry concealed weapons in schools.