To the association's credit, its national lobbyists participated in negotiations on the gun bill and ended up supporting its provisions.

"If it has the gun ban in it, Clinton could win the public relations battle by calling it a gun bill."

Gov. Bob Martinez, who signed the gun bill in May, called the special session to debate the state sales tax on services.

He was unsuccessful with both the gun bill and the nomination.

Three weeks ago I asked Congress to finish the gun bill and send it to me by the anniversary of the Columbine tragedy April 20.

"I am willing not only to vote for everything, I'll co-author every gun bill that comes along."

Though senators supported it this year, tacking it onto another gun bill, that legislation was ultimately voted down.

He was among a handful of lawmakers who did not applaud when she talked about the gun bill.

Mr. DeLay issued a statement calling the gun bill an important step toward revamping the nation's tort law system.

An important gun bill was scheduled for debate in the Colorado Legislature the same day, and he said he felt the need to testify.