 Mitchell believes downstate lawmakers need to unite in support of
concealed carry in order to get the legislation approved."For too
long, downstate Illinois has taken a back seat to the interests of
Chicago," Mitchell said. "Last November, citizens in 10 downstate
counties approved referenda advising the General Assembly to pass a
concealed-carry law. I'm urging my downstate colleagues to stand
together so we can overcome the objections of anti-gun Chicago
politicians and give people the right to defend themselves."
Illinois is one of only two states that do not have any
procedures in place for law-abiding citizens to apply for
concealed-carry permits. While concealed-carry legislation is
frequently filed in the Illinois General Assembly, such legislation
rarely advances beyond the committee stage. Opposition from Mayor
Daley and Chicago politicians has kept the concealed-carry
legislation bottled up in the House Rules Committee.
"It's hypocritical for these politicians to oppose concealed
carry for the average citizen when Chicago aldermen are allowed to
carry concealed firearms," said Mitchell. "I think downstaters
should stick together and tell the powers that be that we're not
going to go along with their plans when we get nothing in return."
Mitchell plans to file concealed-carry legislation this week and
indicated he will lobby fellow downstate legislators to support the
legislation.
[Text from file received from
Rep. Bill Mitchell] |
