Anti-Gun Democrats Becoming Republicans Not the Godsend We're Being Sold

“Congratulations to Hillary Cassel for becoming the second State Representative from the Great State of Florida to switch her Party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once more expanding the GOP Supermajority in the State House!” Donald Trump posted to Truth Social in late December. “I would further like to invite other Disillusioned Democrats to switch Parties, and join us on this noble quest to Save our Country and, Make America Great Again - GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. THANK YOU HILLARY!”

The second one? The first was State Rep. Susan Valdés, who quit the Democrat party weeks earlier after losing a bid to become chair of an influential committee. As for Democrats jumping ship and changing uniforms, will it “make America greater than ever before”? For gun owners? In Valdés’ case, per WMNF Community Radio, she says her motivation was because she didn’t want to be “ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community.”  “[S]he didn’t expect to agree with ‘my fellow Republicans’ on every issue, but ‘that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect.’”

Per Democrat House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, Valdés has “elevated her own aspirations” and “has consistently and publicly shared that she feels the Republican Party does not adequately represent her constituents or beliefs.” In other words, Republican values have nothing to do with her decision and it’s all about self-interest. Just a look at her Facebook page, still posting photos of Valdés lauding Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and a host of other Democrat agenda issues, making it fair to question just what she’ll bring to the MAGA table.

A photo of her on the Equality Florida (“The largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for FL’s LGBTQ community”) page speaking with Moms Demand Action activists “about the importance of gun safety on campus” clinches what’s in it for gun owners. Per the Vote Smart political summary, she’s “rated 0% by NRA” and has voted against permitless carry, church carry, and authorizing firearms on school campuses, and “was rated 100% by LEAP Forward,” a group that “tracks and grades legislation and lawmakers from a progressive perspective on a variety of issues."

Okay, but what about Hillary Cassel? She’s the one Trump was gushing over. She’s all grins on her Facebook while posing with Joe Biden and publicizing her endorsement by the leftist anti-gun Emily’s List. And she makes her position clear: “We … recommit ourselves to taking action to reduce gun violence in Florida and across America by demanding that our elected officials put aside partisanship and immediately pass common-sense reforms to keep us safe, like background checks on all gun sales, a ban on assault weapons and expanded risk-protection orders. None of these measures should be controversial. All of them will save lives.”

With “Republicans” like these, who needs Democrats? Especially in Florida, where Senate President Ben Albritton,  from a solidly Republican district and who’s got his seat until ‘28,  is on record saying he’ll continue to vote against open carry legislation because “I trust my law enforcement officials. They oppose it … and I stand with them today in opposition.” How will Cassel and Valdés do anything but bolster that opposition?

So, too, anti-gun Republicans work against the Second Amendment and Donald Trump’s grandiose campaign promises at the national level. Look to politicians like Giffords endorsee Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Maine “moderate” Sen. Susan Collins, and Quislings who voted for Biden’s “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” to side with Democrats against much-hoped-for (by gun owners) nationwide reciprocity and hearing protection bills.

Diluting something makes it weaker, not stronger. And the enemy inside the gates is much more dangerous than the one kept at bay. No amount of crowing and acting like welcoming people who’ve proven their disloyalty is a net plus will change that. To paraphrase the character Fletcher in The Outlaw Josey Wales, Mr. President, don’t **** down our backs and tell us it’s rainin’.

Author Bio:

David Codrea is the winner of multiple journalist awards for investigating/defending the RKBA and a long-time gun owner rights advocate who defiantly challenges the folly of citizen disarmament. In addition to being a regular featured contributor for Firearms News  he blogs at “The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance,” and posts on Twitter: @dcodrea and Facebook.

Sources: 

Trump Truth Social post

Florida State Rep. Susan Valdes of Tampa switches parties to Republican

Representative Susan Valdés Facebook photos

Susan Valdes' Political Summary on Issue: Guns

Representative Hillary Cassel Facebook photos

Top Florida lawmaker says 'no' to open carry; gun rights group calls it a slap in the face

‘Bipartisan’ Gun Controller Fitzpatrick Shows Why Being “Republican’ is Not Enough

---