Pressure Mounts in Albany for Gun Reform

Governor Cuomo and Albany Democrats say they intend to make gun control a major issue early next year, and they will put increased pressure on Republicans to step up to the plate, reported the New York Daily News.

Additionally, Democrats say they will be watching the five Independent Democratic Conference members who have chosen to caucus with Republicans, stating they too will be expected to help push through some kind of gun control measure or or face harsh criticism from their party.

“This can be the issue that breaks this coalition,” predicted veteran Democratic consultant Hank Sheinkopf. “It can create a problem that they can’t overcome.”

Republicans, backed by Mayor Bloomberg, historically have blocked legislation to address stricter gun control laws, maintaining New York already has some of the most stringent gun laws on the books, while Bloomberg believes New York’s gun problems stems more from weak laws nationally, versus more action out of Albany, reported the News.

Either way, both parties agree that the recent Connecticut mass shooting underscores the urgency to address the issue in some form.

Some of the most recent measures proposed by Democrats include restricting the purchases of firearms in New York to one a month, imposing a 10-day waiting period for purchases, and closing a loophole by requiring background checks for gun sales, even those between a private seller and buyer.