Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval is coming out against a background check initiative that's being supported by gun control advocates on the ballot this November.
An aide to the Republican governor said Thursday that Sandoval is concerned the measure would unnecessarily restrict rights of law-abiding Nevadans.
Spokeswoman Mari St. Martin says the governor also thinks Question 1 won't actually keep guns out of the hands of criminals.
Sandoval's a former state attorney general and federal judge.
His declaration is drawing praise from the National Rifle Association and criticism from initiative supporters.
Nevadans for Background Checks accuses Sandoval of siding with the gun lobby against what the group calls a common-sense measure to save lives.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence says Sandoval isn't really taking a position, and is misleading the public.
