Obama promoting gun legislation in Connecticut

[April 08, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is trying to boost the chances of gun legislation that could be in jeopardy this week with a trip to the home state of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Obama is visiting the Connecticut capital of Hartford, where last week the governor signed a law with widespread restrictions on firearms. The Senate could take up national legislation this week.

Obama plans to meet with Sandy Hook families and argue that lawmakers have an obligation to the children killed and other victims of gun violence to act on his proposals.

Senators have yet to reach a deal to pass expanded background checks for gun sales. An assault weapons ban doesn't appear to have enough votes, and the prospect for a ban on high-capacity magazines also appears bleak.

[Associated Press; By NEDRA PICKLER]

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