County Attorney Calls Lawmakers to Action On Gun Laws

Hillsborough County Attorney Patricia LaFrance on Wednesday called out lawmakers in Washington, D.C., urging them to act after failing to pass the Toomey-Manchin gun control compromise in April.

That bi-partisan legislation, crafted by Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Sen. Pat Twoomey of Pennsylvania, would have required background checks on all commercial sales of guns.

Sen. Kelly AyotteR-NH, took particular heat from some factions over voting against that legislation.

During her brief remarks on the steps of City Hall, LaFrance pointed to one of the loopholes that currently exists, making it possible for someone who is turned down for a gun purchase at a gun dealer to purchase one, "no questions asked," at a place like the Hollis Flea Market, in her home town.

"It truly baffles me, why these simple measures have not been passed, " LaFrance said. "I cannot understand how anyone can justify allowing violent criminals such easy access to guns."

The event was billed as a gun violence prevention rally, organized by Organizing For Action, a non-profit action group that has emerged from the Obama campaign.

Nashua Chapter President Diedre Reynolds said that, as "a proud gun owner" she would like to see the loopholes closed.

"We're here to let Sen. Ayotte know we've not forgotten her vote against the legislation that would have closed those loopholes, Reynolds.

Also in attendance were Nashua State Reps. Jan Schmidt and Sylvia Gale, both Democrats.

Gale spoke briefly on gun violence statistics in New Hampshire, pointing out that 58 percent of domestic homicides in 2010 were committed with handguns, the weapon mist commonly used against women in such incidents.

Background checks only go so far, she said.

"And in only 21 percent of the 79 domestic violence homicides did any of those perpetrators have any known history of mental illness," Gale said.