Pro-gun Democrats shift their stance after massacre in Newtown

STEP ONE:

Several key Democrats on Monday said they were rethinking their opposition to gun control, in a sign that Friday's mass-murder in Connecticut has upended the congressional debate on firearms.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) was among several Democratic defenders of gun rights to signal a new openness to legislative restrictions in the wake of the attack in Newtown, Conn.

“In the coming days and weeks, we will engage in a meaningful conversation and thoughtful debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow,” Reid said on the Senate floor. “We have no greater responsibility than keeping our most vulnerable and most precious resource — our children — safe. And every idea should be on the table as we discuss how best to do just that.

[link to thehill.com]