Politicians reluctant to take on powerful gun lobby

THE massacre at Virginia Tech has ignited fresh talk in the new Democratic-led US Congress to tighten gun laws but it is doubtful enough lawmakers will tackle the politically charged issue.

With so many Americans in love with their guns and defensive of their right under the US Constitution to keep and bear arms, politicians are reluctant to take on gun owners or the powerful gun lobby.

“It’d be foolish politically for Democrats to do it,” said Larry Sabato, a political science professor at the University of Virginia. “There’s little chance of anything meaningful.”