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Former U.S Rep. Gabby Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, plan to appear in Minnesota Thursday for three events to launch a state campaign connected to their Americans for Responsible Solutions organization.

The group is making moves in a few states to bolster laws pertaining to background checks and to require states to pass along more information for use in vetting gun buyers.

Recent attempts to significantly alter Minnesota's gun laws have stalled in the Legislature, regardless of the party in power. Stances on gun measures in front of lawmakers haven't fallen along party lines. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has said 

, but he doesn't see any realistically passing. Some still say 

The Giffords' group has already registered 

. Her visit was first reported by The Associated Press.

Another organization seeking more firearms regulations has been active in Minnesota for years. 

 since 2013. That group has been financed heavily by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The working relationship between the two groups remains to be seen, but some involved in the effort see Giffords as a sympathetic figure who can help reboot the conversation.

But any gun law changes would be particularly difficult in an election year, with all 201 seats on the ballot. Gun rights groups, such as the 

,  have had an potent Capitol presence.

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Brian Bakst

Author

Gabby Giffords plans to launch a Minnesota offshoot of her campaign for tougher gun laws, but proposed changes face steep climb in an election year.

Gabby Giffords targets Minnesota for gun control push

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