Over the last three decades, Florida has often served as a laboratory for legislation that expands gun rights, earning it the nickname the "Gunshine State".
Fifty-nine percent of Republican voters, and two-thirds of voters overall, support expanding gun restrictions for convicted domestic abusers to include non-married dating partners.
In front of 3,300 mock grave markers representing Americans who have died from gun violence since the Newtown tragedy, the Rev. Matt Crebbin will stand on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Thursday to pray for expanded federal gun control legislation.
She is vocal in her support for expanded background checks on gun sales, including over the internet and at gun shows, and a ban on assault weapons, a policy even some gun control groups no longer prioritize.
Ahead of last month's vote on gun reform measures in the U.S. Senate, the group ran six-figure ads calling for expanded background checks for gun purchasing.
In the wake of the Newtown, Conn., shooting, support among the general public for expanded background checks on gun owners was widespread, even in the deepest red states.
With the United States Senate expected to consider new gun measures after the Easter recess, gun control advocates are hoping the words of former President Reagan will help build support for expanding background checks to private gun shows and sales.
Support for expanding background checks to more gun purchases remains high, according to polls released Thursday.
