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A leading gun control supporter at the Minnesota Capitol said he is giving up on legislation that would require universal background checks for gun buyers.


"What I have fought for since the session started, I am relinquishing that," said House DFLer Michael Paymar after failing to muster the votes in the committee he chairs to pass the measure. 


However, Paymar says there is support among lawmakers for expanding background checks to gun shows.


But that's a nonstarter among Republicans, said Rep.Tony Cornish, R-Good Thunder.


"They have never proven in any of their testimony that there is any amount of crime guns that come from gun shows. All their statistics have been turned upside down," Cornish said.


Republicans and gun rights advocates oppose expanded background checks. But some do support alternate DFL legislation to tighten the existing system and expand the parameters of who may not own firearms.


A separate bill that would require universal background checks is expected to get a vote in the state Senate after passing out of committee last week.

Republicans and gun rights advocates oppose expanded background checks. But some do support alternate DFL legislation to tighten the existing system and expand the parameters of who may not own firearms.

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The House Democrat pushing for broader restrictions to Minnesota gun laws has abandoned imposing universal background checks for firearm sales.

House lawmakers ditch universal background checks

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