Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), however, on the same show pushed back on the criticism that O’Rourke may have set back the gun reform fight with his comments.

“I think Republicans who don’t want to vote for a background checks bill are going to look for any excuse to do it. Beto’s comments may be their latest hook, but the fact of the matter is if Donald Trump supports a bill that expands background checks we will get 60 votes for it in the Senate,” Murphy said…

The Pennsylvania Republican said on Sunday that he’s “hopeful” the legislation he co-authored may pass soon.

“Look I think there’s momentum now we didn’t have before,” he said, adding that there is “broader interest among Republican senators.”