Wednesday, March 09, 2011
 
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New lawmakers thrust into guns debate

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[March 09, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- The legislative freshmen may decide the long-fought debate over whether people should be able to carry a gun in Illinois.

Four members of what Illinois Statehouse News is calling the freshman class cast votes Tuesday on concealed carry. All are from downstate, and all voted yes.

Newly seated state Rep. Jason Barrickman, R-Pontiac, said he and the rest of the first-year legislators are not going to be able to hide from the tough issues like concealed carry.

"I think the political will is there," Barrickman said. "It's just a question of whether the political leaders -- specifically Madigan, Cullerton and Quinn -- support the legislation and push it forward."

Some downstate lawmakers have been pushing for concealed carry for years. But downstate lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, have never been able to counter the votes from Chicago and Cook County. That may change this year.

Freshman state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, said that with the large number of new lawmakers, the concealed-carry law may happen this year.

"The climate has changed," he said. "When you have the amount of freshmen that we've had in this upcoming class with new ideas and new ways to do things, new ways to invigorate the process, it's healthy for the system."

The House plan for concealed carry still has a long way to go before it becomes law, including a vote where each new lawmaker will have to go on the record on the issue.

[Illinois Statehouse News; By BENJAMIN YOUNT]

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