Senate Panel Defeats Bill on Gun Show Sales

Sen. Henry L. Marsh III (D-Richmond), right, and Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath) could not overcome opposition to gun control on the Senate Courts of Justice Committee. (By Steve Helber -- Associated Press)

But Deed's proposal did not persuade the 15-member committee's seven Republicans to change their minds. Nor did it sway two rural Democrats, including John S. Edwards of Roanoke, whose district includes Virginia Tech. The panel voted to send the issue to the Virginia Crime Commission, an advisory board that would craft a recommendation for a future legislative session.

"I think the Crime Commission can look at the details of this and try to work out some of the complexities," Edwards said.

The vote came as a relief to gun rights advocates, who had urged lawmakers to set aside their emotions over the Virginia Tech tragedy and reject the bill on its merits. They argued that it would have hurt business at gun shows and put too much responsibility on the backs of unlicensed sellers, who often are private citizens who sell guns occasionally.

Moreover, they said, it would have hindered their constitutional right to bear arms.

"If I own a piece of property, I am free to sell it. This would have gotten in the way of that," said Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League.

Sen. Henry L. Marsh III (D-Richmond) was visibly upset that the bill was rejected this year as it had been several times before. He voted against sending it to the Crime Commission, saying it was a "burying ground" for the legislation.

But the decision to continue to study the issue heartened Andrew Goddard, whose son, Colin Goddard, was shot four times by Cho but survived.

"I know in my heart we are on the side of right here, and we will overcome eventually," said Goddard of Henrico County. "I feel confident that the people of Virginia have the will to do this one day."