Gun safety groups aim to oust pro-NRA lawmakers

PARKLAND, Florida (AP):

Groups advocating stricter gun laws are organising Americans who want to channel anger into action after the deadly Florida school shooting.

Everytown for Gun Safety says it has received $800,000 in unsolicited donations since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. It calls it a precursor for midterm elections in 2018, which it hopes will turn the tide in gun politics.

John Feinblatt, president of the Everytown group, says: "It's time to elect leaders who will finally act to save lives from gun violence".

The five-point action plan includes pledging to vote according to candidates' positions on gun safety, letting leaders know the money they've taken from the National Rifle Association will determine one's vote, registering friends to vote, getting candidates to state their conditions on the record, and finally, running for office to become a champion for sensible gun laws.

Shannon Watts, who founded the group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said: "Many of our lawmakers have failed us, but that's why we have elections."