Association, more than any other Colorado member of Congress. Gun control activists, sometimes accompanied by family members of those killed in Aurora, have pushed him for years to back more restrictions. Yet even after the Aurora shooting in 2012, Democrats didn't mention gun control in their campaign against Coffman. It barely came up in 2014, either, after two Democratic state legislators were recalled for passing new state gun restrictions.

"The West is different," said Josh Penry, a veteran GOP strategist and Coffman adviser. "There's this basic understanding that Congress passing a lot of laws isn't going to stop evil people from committing evil acts."

Still, two days after the Florida shooting, a potential Democratic challenger to Coffman, Jason Crow - like Coffman, a combat veteran - demanded that Coffman returnhis NRA donations. That cheered Laura Chapin, a Democratic strategist who's been active in gun issues.

"The massacres are getting bigger and worse," Chapin said. "It would be smart of Democrats to go after Mike Coffman's hypocrisy."

Sharp questions about guns dominated the hourlong town hall. Coffman said he was willing to discuss "reasonable restrictions within the parameters of the Second Amendment," a statement that drew fierce boos from the crowd.

He repeatedly declined to back an assault-weapons ban but said he'd consider "red flag" laws that would allow the temporary confiscation of firearms from those judged to be a threat to themselves or others.

On CBSN's "Red and Blue" before the town hall, Coffman didn't discuss whether he'd continue to accept NRA donations, but he did say, "The next shooter is