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State Leaders On Gun Control

New Mexico leaders are weighing in on the debate about gun laws in the wake of the deadly mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

US Representative Martin Heinrich says he's willing to accept policies that would prevent criminals and people with mental illnesses from getting guns, but says these policies much not compromise the rights of lawful gun owners.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the Democrat owns guns himself, but says some types of weapons, including some with multi-round clips, don't make sense for home defense.

Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham, who was elected to represent the Albuquerque district in Congress in November, is calling for the re-instatement of a ban on assault weapons. 

US Representative Republican Steve Pearce says there needs to be time to grieve the losses in Connecticut before debating guns laws, which he says may not be the solution.

Democratic US Senator Tom Udall all but reversed his opposition to an assault weapons ban, saying he'd be willing to consider a measure in the coming year.

US Representative Democrat Ben Ray Lujan called for more balance of gun owners rights and public safety.

Republican Governor Susana Martinez is advocating laws that would prevent people with mental illnesses from legally acquiring guns.  The governor did not indicate a position on a ban on assault weapons and has supported laws that allow people to carry concealed weapons.

Martinez says future discussions will include school safety procedures and updated database information on criminals.