June 19, 2013

Washington Secrets

Just 44 percent say Obama should control gun laws

BY: PAUL BEDARD JANUARY 9, 2013 | 12:51 PM | MODIFIED: JANUARY 9, 2013 AT 12:55 PM
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Three-quarters of the public back gun ownership, and many feel that President Obama should dump his gun-control plans because only states should regulate the weapons, according to a new Rasmussen Reports poll.

The poll is a double-barrelled blast at the president. Not only does it reaffirm the public's support for Second Amendment rights, it shows no change in their views despite the horrific shootings last month at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

Rasmussen did find support for some tougher rules on gun ownership. For example, 56 percent believe that someone who commits a crime using a gun should receive a longer prison sentence.

But support for guns is also strong. Seventy four percent believe the Constitution guarantees the right of gun ownership. Also, 75 percent believe it is "morally acceptable" to have a gun in the home.

And as Obama prepares new gun control legislation, the poll found that just 44 percent believe that laws governing guns should be the responsibility of the federal government.

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