Getting legislation passed in the Minnesota Legislature usually takes connections with other legislators, political savvy, having political capital to barter with and the ability to twist someone’s arm and make them think you are shaking their hand.

Holding a sit-in on the floor of the House Chambers is a novel idea for getting publicity, but may not be very effective in getting legislation passed.

First term Rep. Erin Maye Quade (DFL-Apple Valley) is trying the tactic to draw attention to the lack of action on a bill for expanded background checks for gun purchases in Minnesota, and a way for family members to restrict a loved one’s gun access.

It is an issue worth getting behind and one that appears to have a lot of public support. A Star Tribune Minnesota Poll published over the weekend indicates a majority (56 percent) of Minnesotans favor stricter gun laws in the U.S., and 90 percent favor mandatory criminal background checks on all gun sales.

A sit-in is one way for people to get their legislators’ attention. We haven’t heard of legislators using it to get the people’s attention before.

Gun control legislation is as hot as hot-button issues gets in this country. It tends to get introduced and quickly die.

Quade may get some marks for calling attention to the issue, but getting the legislation unstuck and moving along will take a lot more than a sit-in.