AAA Apr. 22, 2013 4:58 PM ET Suburbs now playing a key role in gun legislation By KEN THOMAS and MICHAEL RUBINKAMBy KEN THOMAS and MICHAEL RUBINKAM, Associated Press In this photo taken April 19, 2013, Lisa Inglis, 43, of Quakertown, Pa., sits in a booth at John's Plain & Fancy Diner in Quakertown, Pa. Inglis, who calls herself a liberal Republican, said the Sandy Hook massacre left her deeply ambivalent about guns and gun control, but believes the Senate should have been able to compromise on legislation. In the emotional politics of gun control, the suburbs seem to be emerging as a new sphere of influence. The Senate's defeat last week of new firearms restrictions underscored the nation's shifting demographics and a pronounced divide on the gun issue between Americans in rural areas and in the suburbs. AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam (AP) - In the emotional politics of gun control, the suburbs seem to be emerging as a new sphere of influence. The Senate's defeat last week of new firearms restrictions brought attention to the nation's shifting demographics and a pronounced divide on the gun issue between Americans in rural areas and in suburban enclaves. Packed with married women and political independents, the suburbs are acting more like urban centers that long have been concerned with street crime and have favored tougher gun laws. The suburbs were a common denominator for a handful of Republican lawmakers who broke ranks with the GOP last week to support expanded background checks. Four Republicans backed the proposal, including three from states where suburbs play a strong role in political issues. News Topics: General news, Gun politics, Weapons laws and regulations, Government and politics, Legislation, Political issues, Human rights and civil liberties, Social issues, Social affairs, Government regulations, Legislature