It is so simple to equate gun control to the NRA. Fact is, the NRA is one of the largest civilian organizations in the country representing millions of gun owners, it is not a fringe issue and it is a basic fabric of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. This is a very polarizing issue and one which the democrats would be well served with a much more moderate platform. It is the biggest single issue voting factor in the election. It is how Al Gore lost Tennessee and a bunch of other swing states. It is how the House became republican back in the early 90s when the "assault weapons" ban was passed. If Kerry loses this election it is the singular reason why he lost. If Kerry wins it will be despite his gun control positions. Gun control is a losing issue is all but the most liberal urban areas.