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Critics Rally Against Sen. Ayotte's Vote On Background Checks

NHPR / Michael Brindley

Critics of U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte's recent vote on gun legislation rallied in Concord on Monday.

Last week, Ayotte voted against legislation that would have expanded background checks for firearm purchases at gun shows.

Granite State Progress organized the rally, where speakers were highly critical of Senator Ayotte’s vote against the bill. The legislation failed in the Senate.

Judy Stadtman is co-founder of the New Hampshire Project for Safer Communities.

“Senator Ayotte chose to take sides with gun rights lobbyists who want to weaken federal and state gun laws so that virtually anyone can buy any kind of gun with no questions asked.”

A WMUR poll earlier this year found 84 percent of New Hampshire residents strongly support requiring background checks for all sales made at gun shows.

Matt Murray of Merrimack brought two of his children, ages 6 and 4, to the rally.

They each held signs, reading, New Hampshire Stands With Newtown.

“She’s in kindergarten, and so Newtown was first-graders, six-year-olds. She’s six. So this is why it’s important."

When asked for comment, a spokesman for Senator Ayotte referred to an interview she gave recently to WMUR.

Ayotte told WMUR she was concerned the legislation would be counterproductive. She said she is more interested in dealing with mental health treatment and strengthening the current background check system.

Ayotte will hold a series of town hall meetings in the state this week, starting with meetings in Warren and Tilton on Tuesday.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.

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