"Perhaps the Democrats would be wise to take the issue off the table politically by passing some sort of federal legislation guaranteeing American citizens the right to own guns."
It's not that far-fetched of a scenario. My (Democratic) party wants to win. Period. I think the leadership would be willing to toss the gungrabbers overboard if doing so was seen to be a key toward achieving that end. Especially if it were looking like the gungrabbers were about to lose in the courts anyway. Ultimately it boils down to what the gungrabbers are bringing to the political table. These days it's precious few votes.
There are several elected Democrats who are pro-gun. Two Virginia examples, Sen. Webb and former Gov. Warner come to mind. In Virginia, it's usually the Republicans in the State Senate who prevent forward movement on gun rights issues.
Sometimes I feel like a guy stranded behind enemy lines, and all I have is FR.
Announced presidential candidate NM Governor Richardson is pro-gun rights. As governor of NM he has to be pro-gun or face the NM voters with a big strike against him.