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WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democrat who's introduced an assault weapon ban acknowledges the measure faces an "uphill climb" to pass Congress but says public support is on her side.

Sen. Diane Feinstein of California says a coalition of police, clergy and voters would push forward her bill over objections from the nation's largest gun-rights lobby, the National Rifle Association.

The White House and other Democrats, however, remain skeptical the effort is going anywhere.

Feinstein tells CBS' "Face the Nation" that the NRA is a politically potent force but that its main supporters are gun-makers, not gun enthusiasts.

In the wake of the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., President Barack Obama is pushing to expanded background checks, restoring the assault weapons ban and banning high-capacity ammunition magazines.