Manchin was endorsed by the National Rifle Association for his recent reelection, and is an A-rated member of the NRA. The group considers itself “America’s foremost defender of Second Amendment rights”, but Manchin believes he can mobilize its members into a discussion on gun control.

“I want to call all our friends at the NRA and sit down,” he said. “They have to be at the table. This is a time for all of us to sit down and move in a responsible manner. I think they will.”

Manchin is not the only legislator calling for a discussion on tighter gun control laws, but he may be one of the most conservative. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Obama should put gun control legislation regarding assault weapons on “his No. 1 agenda”.