Boston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles are mulling over similar suits. Francesconi believes the problem is clear. In 1996 there were 102 gun deaths in Multnomah County, according to the Oregon Health Division. The consequences are very real, says Dr. Linda Erwin, a surgeon who often treats gunshot victims at the Legacy Emanuel Hospital trauma center. Some gun-control advocates say cities had to file lawsuits because lawmakers won't demand safety improvements.
Republicans get huge contributions, both in cash and grassroots support, from gun groups.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer wishes that cities didn't feel compelled to sue. He worries that the tobacco settlement negotiated by Oregon and other states is too lenient on the industry. Nichols has his group's attorney, John DiLorenzo Jr., checking on the legality of a city suit. Nichols argues that gun makers are being unfairly targeted. It's a back-door approach to gun control, something they can't win in the Legislature.