House Majority Leader Michael Lange said leaders in the state party won't get his support in internal elections if they support such fliers.
The mailer intended for voters shows a graphic photo of a corpse wrapped in plastic and asks, "Is this your neighbor?"
Names and pictures of legislative Democrats who opposed the gun bill are on the mailer, as is contact information for those lawmakers.
"I agree with the fact that (the mailer) is garbage. That is garbage," Lange told Democrats during a Friday floor session. "It's just garbage."
Chris Wilcox, executive director of the Montana Republican Party, approved the mailer. He said he has agreed to show future mailers to GOP lawmakers before sending them.
"I can see (Lange's) perspective, but I think it's is important to hold people accountable," Wilcox said. "Part of my job is to hold Democrats accountable."
Democrats who opposed the bill said they support gun rights, but believe the measure provides loopholes for violent criminals. It has also been opposed by police groups and prosecutors.
Regardless of arguments on the merits of the bill, Democrats say the flier further sends politics into the gutter.
Rep. Art Noonan, D-Butte, said such "character assassination and hate" are tolerated and expected during campaign season. But moving them into the legislative session sets a new low in Montana politics, Noonan said.
"I don't think anybody in here to a person wants that to happen," he said in a speech asking Republicans to denounce their party's tactics. "This is the start of something we can stop in its infancy."
Rep. William McChesney, D-Miles City, said the flier that went to mailboxes in his district attacked him for his vote and advertised his home telephone number. Only his wife and son have been home to answer the angry calls stirred by the graphic piece.
"Take me on; I've got thick skin and can defend myself," McChesney said during a caucus with fellow Democrats. "But leave my family alone."
Wilcox said he has not ruled out possible use of the flier in the future, especially as the gun bill heads to the Democrat-controlled Senate.
"What we do in the future as this comes to the Senate is something we will look at when we get there," he said.
The bill is House Bill 340.
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