Analyst Sees Little Support For Stronger Gun Laws In Pa.

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A prominent political analyst does not see the tragedy in Connecticut as likely to produce major movement toward gun control laws in Pennsylvania.

As a result of the school tragedy, Stephen Miskin – spokesman for the House Republican majority leader – believes lawmakers will take a closer look at mental health issues.

"You know, how the state looks at people with mental health issues, but it's probably something that we also as a nation should look at."

And already, Montgomery County House Republican Todd Stephens is preparing legislation to improve reporting of mental health data used in firearm purchase background checks.

But Franklin and Marshall College political analyst Terry Madonna believes it's unlikely there will be action on major legislation such as bans on certain types of weapons.

"It will be very difficult to pass gun control legislation notwithstanding the horrific tragedy in Connecticut," Madonna said.

And he's says in Pennsylvania, it's not a partisan issue.

"Many rural Republicans, as well as Democrats, tend not to support gun control legislation."

And Madonna believes it will continue to be an uphill fight to get any major revisions to Pennsylvania's gun control laws.