*** UPDATE *** There wasn’t a lot of media coverage. AP…
A state representative from Chicago says lawmakers across the state must work together to craft a rational and “common sense” concealed carry law.
Democratic state Rep. Ken Dunkin told an audience at a town hall meeting in Chicago Saturday that concealed carry “is coming” to Illinois. He and other Chicago lawmakers held the meeting to gather input from constituents about proposed firearms legislation.
* CBS2 had the best story…
But when long-time Chicago resident Gus Philpot asked for a show of hands he found 30 in the crowd of 80 who said they would seek concealed-carry permits immediately.
State Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) said Chicago’s international reputation once again has become associated with gun violence, and said he wants to find a compromise that gives gun owners what they want with protections built in. He said Illinois is the last state to enact concealed-carry legislation because of one man, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago).
“The Speaker of our House knows, like most of us know, that if it hit the House floor it would pass,” Dunkin said.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* A town hall on Chicago’s West Side is discussing the concealed carry issue. The forum is being hosted by Sen. Mattie Hunter and Rep. Ken Dunkin and moderated by WVON’s Cliff Kelly. The NRA’s Todd Vandermyde has spoken so far, and Congressman Bobby Rush is in attendance. You can watch BlueRoomStream’s live video by clicking here. [UPDATE: Use that link for archived video.]
Let’s go to the ScribbleLive thingy, because BlueRoomStream is also live-Tweeting the event…
LIVE session coverage...
- wordslinger - Monday, Feb 4, 13 @ 10:45 am:
–He said Illinois is the last state to enact concealed-carry legislation because of one man, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago).
“The Speaker of our House knows, like most of us know, that if it hit the House floor it would pass,” Dunkin said. –
Surprisingly, I’m not sure Rep. Dunkin is up to speed.
If I recall, the last conceal-carry bill went to the House floor where it received 66 votes — a majority, but not the necessary super-majority.
- walkinfool - Monday, Feb 4, 13 @ 10:52 am:
Surprisingly, Dunkin’s probably correct. The court has changed the playing field.
- titan - Monday, Feb 4, 13 @ 11:33 am:
Was I reading the meeting comments correctly? It looked like there was considerable support fo a CCW program expressed at the meeting.
- USMCJanitor - Monday, Feb 4, 13 @ 11:56 am:
Titan,
seems that way. I watched the entire video Saturday, seems there were some in the audience with questions and a couple that were anti-CCW and a doctor of some type that wanted his chance to pontificate to the audience about its all fear and stuff. People wanted to ask succinct questions about the law and get response from their elected officials. The only person that “looked bad” for the anti-CCW side was that doc that didnt lend much to the conversation.
- Todd - Monday, Feb 4, 13 @ 2:44 pm:
Based upon what I saw the room was mostly people in favor of RTC. There were some there, that didn’t know anything about the issue. And there were a couple there that whated to talk about gun issues in general.
There were cat calls on both sides, as it is a very emtional issue.
I was asked to come but Rep. Dunkin so I could answer questions about the bill and where things are.
The Court ruling is a game changer. And what was interestignwas to see the number of pro-gun people from the district who showed up. Most of whom had little notice. I only found out about the event Friday evening.