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Most Dems Mum on Gun Control

Murphy: Massacre could have been avoided if leaders stood up to gun lobby

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2007 9:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – Grief over the Virginia Tech massacre is re-energizing gun control advocates like Rep. Carolyn Murphy, whose husband was shot dead in 1996. "For too long, Congress has stood idle while gun violence continues to take its toll," she said yesterday. But most Dems have studiously avoided the hot-button issue, which the party sees as political suicide.

Not one of the front-running Democratic candidates for president has touched the topic, even as the Republican triumvirate tripped over each other to reaffirm that they don't want new gun laws. Some think gun control will emerge as a major campaign issue as the effect of the shootings sink in.

Students console each other after a memorial service at War Memorial Chapel near Norris Hall, the site of a shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., Monday, April 16, 2007. A gunman... (Associated Press)

House Democrats Discuss Gun Control (Getty Images)

Candlelight vigil 1 ((c) alka3en)

Orange ribbon ((c) alka3en)

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Most Dems Mum on Gun Control

Murphy: Massacre could have been avoided if leaders stood up to gun lobby

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GOP Loses Last Stronghold in New England

Himes' victory over Shays in Conn. completes Republican rout

Dems Fight to Retake the South

Party is running the most competitive Dixie campaign in 40 years

States Weigh Allowing Guns on Campuses

Bills pending in 12 legislatures; advocates want ability to protect selves

Johnson to Run Despite Brain Hemorrhage

Colleagues amassed $2 million campaign chest in his absence

Brits Find US Feckless On Gun Control

America "unable to defend its citizens from its armed maniacs"

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Most Dems Mum on Gun Control

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Congress • politics • gun control • Democrat • weapon • Carolyn Murphy • Virginia Tech shootings • gun violence • Election 2008

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

GOP Loses Last Stronghold in New England

Himes' victory over Shays in Conn. completes Republican rout

Dems Fight to Retake the South

Party is running the most competitive Dixie campaign in 40 years

States Weigh Allowing Guns on Campuses

Bills pending in 12 legislatures; advocates want ability to protect selves

Johnson to Run Despite Brain Hemorrhage

Colleagues amassed $2 million campaign chest in his absence

Brits Find US Feckless On Gun Control

America "unable to defend its citizens from its armed maniacs"

About Us

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?