Because the Republicans and Democrats were against the assault-weapon ban, people of both parties.

The bill would totally reverse the existing assault-weapon ban and allow military assault-type weapons to be owned and sold like other rifles or pistols.

"I felt that on the assault-weapon ban, it was more important than ever to begin the process with an open mind," Mr. Aniskovich said.

"If talk radio could control the national agenda, the assault-weapon ban never would have become law," said Mike Rose, producer at WGST in Atlanta.

Indeed, with the Governor lending a strong push, there is also a very good chance that the legislature will soon pass the strongest assault-weapon ban in the country.

The assault-weapon ban was strenuously opposed by gun proponents, while death penalty provisions were opposed by liberals and blacks.

The supposedly timid Davis pushed through bold HMO reform, an aggressive assault-weapon ban, mandatory high-school exit exams, and peer review for teachers.

In addition, a Federal District Court has ruled that New Jersey's assault-weapon ban is constitutional.

The two other states with assault-weapon bans, New Jersey and California, have also had their laws upheld against challenges by gun owners and manufacturers.

"Jon, while I was standing up to the gun lobby, getting the assault-weapon ban passed in New Jersey, was financing the gun industry," Mr. Florio said.