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On Assault Weapons Ban, Sen. Ayotte Only Holdout Among N.H. Delegation

Chris Jenson

New Hampshire Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte is the only member of the state’s Congressional delegation who has not pledged support for an assault weapons ban this week.

In a statement released Monday, Ayotte spokesman Jeff Grappone says-quote denying the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens will not change the behavior of those intent on using firearms to commit horrific crimes.

Still, Grappone says Ayotte supports a thorough review of any laws, including those dealing with mental illness, which could help prevent mass shootings.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representatives-elect Ann McLane Kuster and Carol Shea-Porter, all Democrats, have said they will support a ban on assault weapons.

Congress passed a 10-year federal ban on assault weapons in 1994, but expired in 2004.

A spokesman for President Obama said Tuesday the president will actively support legislation reinstating the ban.

Connecticut has an assault weapons ban modeled after the federal one that expired in 2004.

Police have said the 223 Bushmaster rifle used in the Newtown shooting was legally owned by the gunman’s mother and not covered by the state’s ban.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.
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