Cut-rate taser zaps on Capitol Hill?

August 1, 2007
Paul Rolly, Tribune Columnist

"As some folks who have participated in the legislative process know, those who speak in committee meetings on a position not favored by the Legislature's political majority often get shouted down, have their time cut short and are insulted. But it could become more dangerous next year. If you get too uppity with the powers that be, you might get zapped by a Taser. Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, who has publicly expressed his contempt for "socialists" in response to Michael Moore's film "Sicko," has sent an e-mail to his legislative colleagues offering to get them a discount on the Taser C2, with an optional laser sight, for the great low price of $330. He can get that deal for legislators' family members, too. And the best part? You don't need a concealed-weapons permit to have an activated Taser, Wimmer says. Although you do have to pass a background check. Wimmer, a career police officer, points out in his e-mail that being a high-profile person like a legislator can be a risky endeavor and some legislators have been reluctant to carry a gun, even though Wimmer's fellow Republican Rep. Curtis Oda, of Clearfield, has been more than generous in arranging for concealed-weapons permit classes for the lawmakers. The Taser is the way to go, he says."