The Maddow Blog
We already know that a majority ofDemocrats, independents and even a substantial majority of Republicansare in favor of expanded background checks. We also already know that card-carryingNRA-membersandTea Partiersthink background checks are a good idea. But thanks to the diligent, independent research done by the social scientists over at the University of California at Davis'sViolence Prevention Research Program, we can add another important constituency to the pro-expanded background checks camp:gun dealers. The people who would have to actually carry out those background checks. The majority of the guys and gals around the country who make their living selling guns – gun dealers, pawnbrokers and gunsmiths – are in favor of more checks.Here is what the NRA does not want you to know: 55.4% of gun dealers surveyed support comprehensive background check requirements and 37.5% strongly favor them. (pdf) What is particularly amazing about this study is that it has never been done before. Independent researchers have never asked the actual people who would have to do the checking what they think of expanding background checks. So in 2011 the researchers at UC Davis decided that they would.