 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] |
