http://www.postbulletin.com/news/politics/franken-backs-gun-control-plan/article_b15db9ab-6909-571d-a7c6-124e38108dc8.html
On the day that President Obama proposed a sweeping package of gun-control measures, U.S. Sen. Al Franken signaled his support for several components of Obama's plan.
Franken, speaking during a press event in Rochester, said he supports limits on ammunition magazines to 10 rounds and tightening the nation's system of background checks. He didn't mention a ban on assault weapons, a key provision of the president's plan, during the visit, but later his staff noted he continues to support the principle of renewing an assault weapons ban, something he said shortly after the massacre at Shady Hook Elementary School where 26 children and staff were killed by a gunman.
Alexandra Fetissoff, Franken's press secretary, said the senator supports a weapons ban in principle but wants to see what a bill contains before saying he'll vote for a specific plan.
Franken's response illustrates the rocky passage the president's aggressive gun-control plan is likely to face in Congress, where legislators will attempt to balance public safety issues with recreational and economic concerns. Minnesota is home to a vibrant gun culture, as well as many retail and gun manufacturing outlets. In talking to Minnesota deer hunters, Franken noted that many use semi-automatic rifles, but use a clip that holds only a few rounds.