Missouri Gov. Bob Holden needs to be ready to face down the gun lobby again.

House Bill 349, which would allow people to carry concealed handguns, is working its way through the legislature. It could be approved and sent to the governor as early as this week.

Holden, however, has made it clear he opposes concealed-carry measures. Last year he threatened to veto similar legislation, which died as a result. Holden argues that voters rejected concealed carry in 1999 and that neither he nor the legislature should ignore the people's wishes.

Proponents have crafted a number of safeguards into House Bill 349, including mandatory training and prohibitions on concealed-carry permits for felons or persons likely to harm themselves or others.

But putting more guns on the streets is still a dangerous idea. Let's hope the concealed-carry bill does not make it to the governor's desk. If it does, House Bill 349 deserves Holden's veto.