Sotomayor worries gun rights groups

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By Tom LoBianco

Gun rights groups said attempts by Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor to defuse a showdown on Second Amendment rights have done little to assuage their concerns.

Gun Owners of America is actively lobbying against Judge Sotomayor's confirmation, but the National Rifle Association has yet to take a position.

The way the NRA chooses to go could have consequences for moderate to conservative Democrats who helped their party develop a staggering advantage in the Senate.

"All options are on the table," said Andrew Arulanandam, NRA spokesman. "The rulings she has made are troubling, and concern us."

Whether the NRA includes the Sotomayor vote on its scorecard - a possibility Mr. Arulanandam did not rule out - could weigh heavily on Senate Democrats up for re-election in 2010, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Judge Sotomayor on Tuesday told Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican, she could not comment on an expansive definition of the Second Amendment. On Thursday, she hurried to put out the fire by explaining to Sen. Mark Udall, Colorado Democrat, that her stance was predicated on "settled law," including last year's Supreme Court ruling that overturned the decades-old D.C. gun ban.

Gun issues have been an area where moderate to conservative Democrats have been more than willing to side with the Republican minority. Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn's amendment to adopt concealed-carry laws in national parks won inclusion with the help of 27 Democrats who crossed the aisle to support the measure.

Senate Democrats looking to expand their 19-seat majority in the Senate, including a Minnesota seat still unresolved, have ample opportunity in the 2010 elections but also will defend seats in key states, such as Mr. Reid's in Nevada.

Shortly after President Obama nominated Judge Sotomayor, Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, issued a glowing assessment of the nominee, but stopped just short of an endorsement.

"I'm a little surprised the NRA is taking a 'wait-and-see' approach - they're having their board members come out and attack her," Mr. Helmke said last week.