Hutchison said she didn't know when she arrived from Austin in 1993 that the District of Columbia prohibits keeping a fully assembled handgun in the home. The district's ban has been in place since 1975.

Hutchison, a Republican who is considering a 2006 run for Texas governor, introduced legislation Thursday to lift the ban. If the bill passes she said she would keep a gun in her D.C. home.

Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and George Allen, R-Va., are co-sponsors.

Memo to the Lady™:  This  is one of the reasons why I want to stay in Texas - because the majority of our Congresscritters understand what Article II of the Bill of Rights means.

"I have always had a handgun in the drawer next to my bed, and I would certainly again have one if it were legal in D.C.," Hutchison said.

Her office said her handgun is a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver.

Damned fine gun, if you ask me.  My respect for her just went up a notch. (grin)

Hutchison said after she learned of the D.C. gun ban, she dismantled her gun, bought a travel case for it and took it back to Texas. She said she's complying with the law even though she thinks it's unconstitutional.

In this instance, I'd chide her a bit:  It doesn't matter what she thinks.  It is  unconstitutional.

"I think every woman in the District of Columbia should have the ability to protect herself in her home," she said.

Oh?  Kay, honey, I think every person  in DC ought to have that ability.  Why're you wanting to limit it to the gals, hm?

Cornyn's office said he has several types of guns and rifles and keeps them in an "undisclosed location."

Now that's  the way you go about it.  Why do folks need to know where he keeps his guns?

Reminds me of the old bumper sticker:  "I carry a gun three days a week.  You guess which three."