Obama adviser hedges optimism on stricter gun laws

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Obama adviser hedges optimism on stricter gun lawsGun rights advocates demonstrate near the Capitol building on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. Supporters of gun rights held "Guns Across America" rallies across the country Saturday in response to President Barack Obama's plan to curb gun violence. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)(Credit: Mark Humphrey)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration says it’s confident stricter gun laws can be passed, but it’s hedging its optimism by stressing how politically difficult that will be.

White House senior adviser David Plouffe (pluhf) said on CNN that gun legislation and immigration reform are two top domestic priorities as President Barack Obama readies for a second term.

He says the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School has changed the gun debate, yet he did not sound assured that some measures would even get a vote.

Republican Sen. John Barrasso said on CNN he doubted that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would bring all of the administration’s proposals regarding gun violence to the floor, to protect Democrats in conservative states.

Both men sounded more optimistic about the prospects for an immigration overhaul.

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