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For one town, gun debate is not just over politics, but it is about economy

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The great gun battle is still center stage in Washington D.C.

Senators are debating the issue for the first time since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.

Former Arizona representative Gabrielle Giffords provided emotional testimony calling for stricter laws.

Her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, says laws could've stopped the crazed gunman who shot Giffords and several others at an outdoor political gathering in 2011. The NRA pushed back, saying new laws aren't the answer.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are also taking a close look at what's happened to state politicians who cracked down on guns.

In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo's quick trigger on gun control legislation has already cost him support.

According to a Quinnipiac poll, Cuomo's approval rating has slid by 15 points in the weeks since a comprehensive gun law was passed. 59 percent of voters now think Cuomo is doing a good job as compared to 74 percent only a few weeks ago.

In Connecticut, where the massacre at the Sandy Hook School occurred, lawmakers have taken a slow approach to gun control-- mindful of the politics in play.

In Iowa, Governor Terry Branstad has no plans to push for new legislation. The same story in Indiana, Governor Mike Pence reportedly has no plans to introduce new legislation.

Back in New York, the NRA affiliate intends to sue to block enforcement of the new law.

"The battle over guns in many ways is a cultural war about how America views itself and the rights of its citizens," believes NRA President David Keene.

It’s not just cultural wars. For John Stephens, the mayor of Illion, a village in New York, it is very much the economy.

"You see Remington and people think Illion, you say Illion people think Remington, they go hand in," commented Mayor John Stephens.

For nearly 200 years, Illion has been home to gun maker Remington which employs 1200 people.

"Worst case scenario is they close up and leave and we are in trouble," Illion’s mayor stated.

The NRA's Keene says more gun control is simply not the answer, not for any state.

"America would be a much different and poorer country in many ways."

What do you think about the debate? Leave us your thoughts.


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