SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An aide says Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will “vigorously pursue” a ban on assault weapons even though the Senate rebuffed his attempt on Wednesday.

The Senate voted 49-4 Wednesday to override Quinn’s rewritten legislation to prohibit the sale or possession of semi-automatic rifles, high-capacity magazines and .50-caliber guns.

Spokeswoman Brooke Anderson says the Democratic governor will continue seeking a statewide assault-weapons ban to enhance public safety. She would not elaborate on his strategy.

Senators say Quinn overstepped his authority in August by changing legislation on mail-order ammunition. He acted after a mass shooting at a suburban Denver movie theater.

If the House also votes to override, the original legislation allowing Illinois gun owners to purchase ammunition by mail from in-state dealers becomes law.

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