Obama woos Pennsylvania gun owners

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 6 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is trying to woo pro-gun voters in Pennsylvania, which is home to a large number of gun owners, observers say.

The Politico reported Sunday that rather than touting gun control legislation he has consistently backed, the Illinois senator instead is highlighting his constitutional law experience.

Pennsylvania, which holds its primary April 22, has the nation's highest per-capita membership rates in the National Rifle Association, Politico noted. Obama faces rival Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., who leads in state polls.

Jim Kessler, vice president for policy at Third Way, a progressive think tank, said gun rights issues are important to many Pennsylvania voters.

"Guns are a cultural lens through which they view candidates," Kessler said. "If you are seen as way off on that issue, then you seem way off on everything. If you are seen as OK, if the lens is clearer, then they continue to look at you and size you up on other things."

To gain credence among gun owners, the Obama campaign has sought the help of state Rep. Dan Surra, a Democrat with an "A+" rating from the NRA, to form a coalition of supporters who can campaign for Obama.