2 Gun-control Measures Fail to Pass in Maryland

By BRIAN WITTEAssociated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Two high-profile gun control measures died in the Maryland General Assembly after getting fervent support from mothers who wanted tighter access to firearms and fierce opposition from critics who flew their message with an airplane around the Maryland State House.One measure would have required background checks anytime someone buys a rifle or shotgun. Supporters said it was needed to close a loophole in Maryland law enabling private sales of long guns without background checks."I'm incredibly disappointed. A lot of the moms were consistent in coming down and being very supportive," said Del. Vanessa Atterbeary, a Democrat who said she planned to try again next year.Supporters included Andrea Chamblee, the wife of John McNamara, one of the five employees killed by a man armed with a shotgun at the nearby Capital Gazette newspaper last year. The man charged with first-degree murder in the case obtained the gun legally. Supporters of the bill say someone who could not pass a background check could buy the same gun through a private sale with no questions asked.Opponents, including the National Rifle Association, contended the measure would have made it harder for law-abiding gun owners to possess and transfer their property. Second Amendment advocates flew a message over the Maryland State House on Monday with an airplane pulling a banner."We will not comply! How about you Larry?" the banner read, in a reference to Gov. Larry Hogan.Sen. Michael Hough, a Frederick County Republican, said there were big differences between measures approved in the House and Senate. He said the House bill went too far by regulating the transfer of antiques."It just didn't make sense," Hough said. "Are we really talking about regulating muskets?"Hough said he supported a better bill that passed, sponsored by Baltimore Sen. Bill Ferguson,

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