Baucus, Tester Take Cautious Approach on Guns

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Two Montana Democrats who could play a big role in the U.S. Senate's debate on gun control are not immediately closing the door on new restrictions.

But both U.S. Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester are taking a more cautious approach than some other pro-gun members of Congress who have expressed a willingness to bend on the issue.

Tester says he is open to a "difficult conversation" on assault weapons, along with other issues such as mental illness. The Democrat says he feels a responsibility to address violence in schools.

Baucus, however, does not even mention the possibility of new gun control in a statement. He instead says questions about the "culture of violence" require discussion on such issues as access to mental health care and violent video games.