Groundhog Day for guns at the state Capitol

Republicans are giving it another shot. State lawmakers aiming to repeal gun control legislation passed soon after the Aurora theater massacre.

“It’s a bad law so we need to come in and oppose it every year until we get it repealed,” said Republican state Rep. Steve Humphrey.

Republicans propose to repeal the state’s ban on large-capacity magazines and the requirement to obtain background checks for private-party gun sales.

Other bills aim to expand gun rights, eliminating liability for companies which allow concealed weapons on site and allowing businesses to use deadly force against intruders.

Another would allow concealed carrying of handguns without obtaining a permit.

All the bills introduced on Groundhog Day, of all days.

“We woke up today and it’s the same thing all over again,” said Jane Dougherty, whose sister was killed at Sandy Hook. “Every time the gun lobby attempts to weaken our existing laws we will show up, we will fight back.”

That’s a promise Dougherty made to her sister, but the Republican’s also made promises.

“You can see the majority in the state Senate owes its majority to gun owners and we’re here to collect on that debt,” said Dudley Brown who represents the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners.

A tough target though, as Democrats still control the House and Governors Office.