A leading Democrat has complained that the “cult” surrounding American gun-ownership rights is likely to prevent Congress introducing stricter laws on firearms.

Although advocates of gun control have secured promises of Senate hearings, some accept that they probably lack the votes to change legislation.

Many Democrats elected in November come from rural areas in the South and West of the country, where they pledged to uphold the constitutional “right to bear arms”.

Jim Webb, the Virginia senator, likes guns so much that he bought one for his son when the boy was aged 8, and his aide was arrested for taking a loaded pistol on to Capitol Hill.

Charles Rangel, chairman of the Ways & Means Committee in the House of Representatives, said that he had asked fellow Democrats if the college shooting would change the political debate. “The people I expected to say ‘no’ said ‘no’. It’s a regional thing, it’s a cultural thing and it’s a sad thing, but it’s some type of cult,” he said.

While most voters support stricter gun controls, America’s 80 million gun owners are well organised and funded and wield disproportionate influence in elections.

After the Columbine High School massacre, a number of Bills were introduced to tighten controls. Most were blocked by Republicans, but the Senate casting vote delivered by Al Gore, then the Vice-President, in favour of one piece of legislation was never forgiven by the pro-gun lobby. Many analysts said it contributed to his defeat in the 2000 presidential election. Since then, the Democratic leadership has been wary of raising the issue. Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, said: “I hope there’s not a rush to do anything. We need to take a deep breath.”

Republican presidential candidates have been swift to defend gun rights. Rudy Giuliani, the Republican front-runner, said: “Obviously, this tragedy does not alter the Second Amendment. People have the right to keep and bear arms and the Constitution says this right will not be infringed.”

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