(Image source from: PBS)

The conflict over gun control could influence Connecticut's heatedly contested race for governor, contempt the state passing wide-ranging legislation five years ago after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Some proponents contend more can be done. Merely galore of the state's approximately 300,000 gun permit holders are still aggravated by the 2013 law, which largely dilated the state's assault weapons ban. They contend Connecticut has already passed too many limitations and fear the next governor could allow more.

"I can tell you, it's very passionate," said Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont, the Democratic Party's endorsed gubernatorial candidate, regarding the gun debate. He recollects being lately booed off a stage for questioning the necessity for AR-15-style semi-automatic rifles in the public domain.

"People feel very strongly on the issue at both sides, but I know where I stand," said Lamont, who proposes banning so-called ghost guns, which are firearms parts used to make untraceable weapons. "I think in the state where we had the tragedy at Sandy Hook, we are reminded every day that we are going to be a leader when it comes to responsible gun control."

In 2012, the gunman killed 20 first-graders and six educators at the Newtown school, as well as his mother, before killing himself.

While Lamont probably won't triumph the support of many ardent gun rights supporters in this year's election, his counterpart on the Republican side, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, is struggling to win them over himself. Narrowly supported at the state GOP convention, Boughton is facing primary challenges from at least two other Republicans, possibly more.

Former Trumbull Mayor Tim Herbst has been the most communicative in that group about encouraging gun owners rights. With debased turnout anticipated for the Aug 14 primary, he predicts gun rights proponents could aid determine the GOP's ultimate candidate in November, and perhaps the state's next governor.

"I think gun violence and youth violence is a big deal and I think that's going to have a very robust discussion," said Boughton, a former high school teacher. "I think that's where the discussion needs to go."

By Sowmya Sangam