Democrats to talk up rights of gun owners

[w4rma]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Centrist Democrats are urging their candidates — expecially in more conservative states — to talk openly about their support for gun safety laws while telling voters they support the rights of gun owners.

"Silence on this issue has not worked to our advantage," said Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council. The DLC joined with Americans for Gun Safety to sponsor a survey by pollster Mark Penn that looked at the gun issue and voters.

Penn said his research has found that Democrats who talk openly about the balance of gun owner's rights and gun safety laws can make significant gains among gun owners, who lean heavily toward Republicans.

Al From, founder and chief executive of the DLC, said when Democrats remain silent, the assumption is that they are hostile to the rights of gun owners.

The centrist group is inviting 70 Democratic elected officials from 18 states to Atlanta Saturday to learn more about how Democrats can talk more openly about such issues as gun rights and safety, religion, support for the military and policies affecting families.
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http://www.nola.com/newsflash/louisiana/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1066343044270270.xml

[jiacinto]

1. I think it depend s on the area and the race

A Democrat in--say, Wyoming--needs to neutralize the gun issue. But a Democrat in an urban state like New Jersey can do well with it.

I think this issue is best left to the candidate running and the state in which he/she is running.

[DBoon]

2. Why not?

Many gun owners support (or could support) core Democratic values. Why not try to include them?