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Albany Pro-Gun Rally Features Astorino, Trump; State's Largest Gun Group Sits Out

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A large pro-gun rally Tuesday at the New York State Capitol in Albany will feature Donald Trump and Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino.

But as WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, the leader of the state's largest gun group has refused to take part.

Tom King of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association said he wants to see the rhetoric dialed back.

Albany Pro-Gun Rally Features Astorino, Trump; State's Largest Gun Group Sits Out

"There are a lot of not so savvy people who have sprung up who are saying things that are just inappropriate," King told Smith. "I've never been a fan of rhetoric."

He said aggressive posturing and threats of violence can surface at these kinds of large rallies.

"I will not be a party to that at all," King said. "Something said in a moment of political fervor may very well be used against us."

His group is refusing to participate, saying they don't need to preach to the choir. He added the goal is to win over the middle, not scare them away.

The 2010 GOP gubernatorial nominee Carl Paladino was also expected to speak at the rally.

The activists are seeking a repeal of a 2013 state law that outlawed the sales of some popular guns like the AR-15. The law championed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been criticized as unconstitutional by some gun rights activists.

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(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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