Scott Brown backs assault gun ban

<img src="http://images.politico.com/global/2012/08/120820_scott_brown_ap_328.jpg">

Outgoing Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown has become the first GOP senator to endorse a renewed assault weapons ban.

“What happened in Newtown where those children were subject to that level of violence is beyond my comprehension,” Brown told the Springfield Republican on Wednesday. “As a state legislator in Massachusetts I supported an assault weapons ban thinking other states would follow suit. But unfortunately, they have not and innocent people are being killed. As a result, I support a federal assault weapons ban, perhaps like the legislation we have in Massachusetts.”
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Previously, Brown had long opposed new federal restrictions on guns, arguing the issue should be left to the states. But Brown earned the endorsement of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in November’s election in part by opposing legislation that would’ve allowed concealed weapon permit holders to carry guns across state lines.

Brown may also be preparing himself to run in a special election should Sen. John Kerry be named Secretary of State. Brown is perhaps the most likely GOP nominee in the special election, which would probably take place sometime this summer.

The senator also endorsed changes to laws dealing with mental health, but he was less specific about what changes should happen. “I also think we need to look at mental health in this country and see if we can keep these weapons out of the hands of people with severe issues,” Brown told the paper. “I think it’s time for all of us to have these conversations.”

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