Supporters of Background Checks May go Directly to Voters

Supporters of expanded backround checks for gun sales may take the issue to the voters.  They've been frustrated that Congress and the Washington State Legislature failed to pass new laws to make it tougher for some people to purchase guns. Washington state Rep. Jamie Pedersen had sponsored unsuccessful legislation on background checks at the state level. He says a winning ballot initiative would make a statement with broad implications. On Monday, proponents of universal background checks in Washington will announce their plan to launch a statewide initiative campaign. That's according to a person involved in the initiative planning who spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to pre-empt the official announcment.