Bloomberg, mayors group buy $12M in ads urging gun control

NEW YORK (AP)

A new $12 million television ad campaign from Mayors Against Illegal Guns will push senators in key states to back gun control efforts including comprehensive background checks.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the ad buy Saturday.

Two ads posted on the group’s site show a gun owner holding a rifle while sitting on the back of a pickup truck. The man says he’ll defend the Second Amendment but adds “with rights come responsibilities.” The ad then urges viewers to tell Congress to support background checks.

The New York Times reports Bloomberg is financing the campaign. He’s the group’s co-chair.

The group says the ads will air in 13 states and target Democrats and Republican senators. The Senate is scheduled to debate federal gun control legislation next month.