Dems halt background check talks with Sen. Coburn
Hisham Ibrahim
Posted: 03/06/2013
Last Updated:
78 days ago
WASINGTON (AP) -
A Senate aide says Democrats are dropping their effort for now to win support from conservative Sen. Tom Coburn for requiring federal background checks for nearly all gun purchases.
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer has been leading Democrats' efforts to win the Oklahoma Republican's backing. A Schumer aide says Democrats will focus on getting support from other Republicans for broadening the background check system.
Coburn has an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association. His backing could have helped win over other GOP senators and moderate Democrats.
The talks ran aground over record-keeping for sales between private individuals, which Schumer demanded and Coburn opposed.
The aide spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private discussions.
Universal background checks were a keystone of President Barack Obama's proposals to curb guns.
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