http://www.suntimes.com/6250068-417/gun-control-battle-brewing-in-illinois-as-nra-allies-target-state.html Gun-control battle brewing in Illinois as NRA, allies target state By Christopher Wills June 29, 2011 8:58PM
FILE - In this March 10, 2011 file photo, gun owners and supporters show their support during Gun Owners' Lobby Day at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. Illinois is one of just two states, the other being Wisconsin, that dont give people permission to carry concealed guns. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is set to sign in law July 4 ending that state's ban. That will give Illinois an important status. Pro-gun groups want to be able to say every single state gives people a legal way to carry concealed weapons. Gun control advocates want to hang on to Illinois and avoid nationwide defeat on concealed carry. ( AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File) Updated: June 30, 2011 2:11AM
SPRINGFIELD — As state after state voted to let residents carry concealed guns, Illinois has held out, for a long list of reasons: A strong gun control movement. A dynasty of powerful Chicago mayors. A line-up of state leaders who oppose expanding access to guns.
With Wisconsin now on the verge of adopting concealed carry, Illinois soon will be all alone, the last state with a complete ban on carrying concealed weapons. That makes it the next big prize in the fierce national contest over gun control, with the National Rifle Association and its allies targeting the 50th state.
Despite the obstacles, gun-rights advocates believe time and political momentum are on their side. Pro-gun groups expect to make another push this fall or next spring. They’re also pursuing at least two lawsuits. The outcome of the effort will determine whether firearms officially achieve new status in the United States — something citizens of every state can own and carry, regardless of regional differences or which party is in power.
“We never give up,” said Andrew Arulanandam, public affairs director for the National Rifle Association. “We’ve been around 140 years as an organization. If we don’t get something this time around, we’re going to work until we get it.”
Right now, Wisconsin is the only other state that doesn’t give people a way to obtain permission to carry concealed guns. But lawmakers there have voted to end their ban, and Gov. Scott Walker said Monday that he would sign the change into law after July 4. AP