Former Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) explains in The Hill:
“Within the elevator, a pal – a pleasing, cheap, average Republican – complained that the votes had been politically motivated — forcing contributors in swing districts to make a choice from their pro-gun bases and extra average constituents. I argued that the polling in districts like his used to be transparent: Just about 80 % toughen for the very measures he’d simply voted towards, together with a majority (again then, a minimum of) of Republicans.”
“Then got here the inside track. He admitted that regardless of in my view supporting the measures, he had no selection however to vote towards them. In a closely polarized Space, the place districts had been an increasing number of ruby crimson as opposed to brilliant blue, any vote for any gun protection would invite a number one opponent and ignite his most likely defeat. No factor, he informed me, motivated his base extra intensely than weapons. Moderates would forgive and omit that he voted towards background exams; however his base would by no means forgive him for vote casting for them.”
