Toomey’s Gun Control Bill Blocked in Senate

The Senate passed Pat Toomey’s gun control bill today, by a vote of 54-46, gaining Republican support from three other Senators. But it needed 60 to overcome a Republican filibuster, so it failed. “I did the best I could. I wish it had passed, but the Senate has spoken and these things happen,” Toomey said to the Morning Call after the vote. “It’s always worth it to do the right thing.” The bill would have expanded background checks to internet and gun show sales. New Jersey’s Frank Lautenberg, who’s in ill health, was wheeled in for the vote. At least today, he probably isn’t regretting his decision to retire. [Morning Call]