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Republicans say Cuomo gun bill rammed into law

By Associated Press

Story Created: Jan 15, 2013 at 2:16 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 15, 2013 at 2:44 PM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Republicans say Gov. Andrew Cuomo's accelerated approval of the first gun control measure in the nation following last month's shooting in Newtown, Conn., may be good politics for him, but they say it's bad government.

Republican Assemblyman Marc Butler says there should have been public hearings on the wide-ranging package that includes a tighter ban on assault rifles, smaller ammunition magazines, required reporting of gun threats by the mentally and measures for legal gun owners.

Republican Assemblyman Steve Katz accuses the Democrat of an ego-driven effort that makes potential criminals of lawful gun owners.

Republican Sen. Greg Ball says Cuomo pushed the progressive bill to serve a potential presidential bid in 2016.

The Assembly is preparing to give final legislative approval of the bill first made public Monday night.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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