* Post-Dispatch…
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Thursday will launch a three-week advertising campaign against Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, who occupies one of three Republican-held congressional seats in the St. Louis region that Democrats say they will target next year.
The others are the Metro East district held by Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville; and the Missouri 2nd District seat held by Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin. […]
The campaign committee, a national congressional election arm of the Democratic Party, said it will spend an unspecified amount — “sizable six-figures,” a spokesman said — attacking Republicans in a dozen districts around the country. Incumbents in those districts include Bost, who is in his second term of office.
The ads — on radio, national television and social media — will target Republicans for their efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act and argue that they will not stop doing so until they lose control of Congress. Bost voted for a repeal and replacement of the law, often called Obamacare, that, so far, has failed to pass the Senate.
Davis’ district goes all the way up to Bloomington, but it does include parts of the Metro East.
* Some info on one of Davis’ possible Democratic opponents…
Since entering in late July, Democratic candidate and first time candidate Erik Jones raised approximately $220,000. “That’s an average of over $3,150/day in his first 69 days in the race. As a first-time candidate, Erik’s ability to raise money shows that his message and campaign are resonating,” his campaign says. Others vying for the seat now held by Republican Rodney Davis are Democrats, Jonathan Ebel, David Gill, Betsy Londrigan and Benjamin Webb.
* And the GOP incumbent issued this press release today…
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released this statement after signing onto a letter to asking the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to review the law regarding bump stock technology that was reportedly used in the Las Vegas shooting earlier this week.
“Fully-automatic weapons have been illegal in the U.S. for the last 30 years, but recent technology has made it easier to legally simulate a fully-automatic weapon. Until this week, I had never even heard of a bump-stock so we are asking the ATF for more information – to be educated on the issue and current law. There is no place for politics in this debate or knee-jerk reactions, but I believe we can have a thoughtful, non-partisan discussion about the facts. To be clear, those who believe that gun control or one law is going to put an end to mass shootings are, unfortunately, severely shortsighted. As someone who experienced gun violence a few months ago, I know all too well that this is a much larger issue of hate, of mental illness, and of evil and we cannot lose sight of that.”
More info on bump stocks can be found here.
- Arsenal - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 9:39 am:
I’m pessimistic about both races, but Brendan Kelly is about as good a candidate as the Dems coulda hoped for.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 9:45 am:
So if Davis is asking questions about guns, is it okay to move on from thoughts and prayers to policy?
Like enforcing the Illinois law that makes it illegal to possess guns when an FOID card has been revoked by a judge after due process because of mental illness?
If history is a guide, it’s a short window until the next massacre shuts down discussion for fear of “politicization.”
- Curl of the Burl - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 9:50 am:
Kelly is a great get for the DCCC. A retired Navy man and an experienced prosecutor - who has actually held two countywide offices in the district’s most populous county/area - is pretty good compared to 2016’s situation in the 12th Congressional District. Rodney’s district, however, seems to be that unattainable dream for the DCCC. Erik Jones is not a bad candidate but Rodney is a hard worker and has the county GOP organizations in his district fully behind him.
- Robert the 1st - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 9:51 am:
Just curious… when was the revoked FOID card holder last responsible for a mass shooting? The whole “we have to do something so we feel better” thing seems dumber than “thoughts and prayers” to some of us.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 9:57 am:
Congrats Rod, you did the absolute bare minimum.
- JohnnyPyleDriver - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:14 am:
I don’t know who’s more excited about DCCC involvement in these races. Dem activists or the Republican Party.
- A guy - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:19 am:
The Smart money….
Heck, is any money smart anymore?
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:20 am:
===The whole “we have to do something so we feel better” thing ===
Enforcing the law is too much of a burden for you? Didn’t that used to be the mantra of you citizen militia types?
I guess we could wait for a revoked FOID card holder to go on a rampage before we enforce the law. But I think many of us believe that would be really dumb.
- Fixer - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:23 am:
I’m surprised bump stocks haven’t been reclassified yet to fall with with suppressors, given the type of modification it makes to a firearm. I have one, it’s fun to mess around with on the range, but Davis is right in saying that a law isn’t going to stop this. If someone truly wants to do harm to a person or group of people, they’re going to find a way to do so.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:25 am:
Robert, do you have other “reasons” for not enforcing existing law or do you just favor those found to be mentally ill remain armed?
- Bill - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:25 am:
Not a good idea to talk about gun policy after a massacre like this. Remember how many months we waited to talk about terrorism after 9/11? Yea, me either.
- JohnnyPyleDriver - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:28 am:
==a law isn’t going to stop this.==
Why do we have laws about abortions then? Or drugs? Or domestic violence? Or speed limits? Or DUIs?
- Robert the 1st - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:28 am:
Not against enforcing the law at all. I agree with you. You just keep bringing up this same topic again and again. I was honestly curious if there was a reason why.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:34 am:
So, Robert, you now “agree” with the position that a few minutes you wrote was “dumber?”
Work it out amongst your selves.
- blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 10:53 am:
Hopefully the bump stock will be outlawed. I would also like like to revisit Stop and search. Stop 1000 white males, 250 black males and 250 hispanic males per day. In this day and age, I am willing to cede a few things. Anubody else on board?
- JohnnyPyleDriver - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:02 am:
==I am willing to cede a few things.==
Like the entire 4th amendment?
- blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:05 am:
Yup. I believe we should raid the homes of those losing their FOID cards looking for guns as well.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:16 am:
Did “bump stocks” kill the first graders at Sandy Hook? I’m all in favor of doing “bump stocks”. But we may need to do something more.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:19 am:
I think guns should be allowed, just make them the kind where you have to load the gun powder and ram it in barrel. Literal interpretation of Constitution. I guess that would make movies not so fun to watch, you know, if James Bond had to ram the gun powder in before firing.
- blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:20 am:
Limit mags on hi velocity.long guns to five rounds. I would also like to see minimum sentencing of 25 years for felonies committed with guns. No parole.
- Fixer - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:26 am:
Johnny, maybe I’m missing the sarcasm on your end, but those laws do not prevent people from doing those things. It allows for punishment of that behavior, but it doesn’t prevent it. That was the point I was trying to make.
- blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:32 am:
360. Just a bit of clarification. Are you suggesting all firearms except black powder be outlawed?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:38 am:
= Like enforcing the Illinois law that makes it illegal to possess guns when an FOID card has been revoked by a judge after due process because of mental illness? =
You keep repeating this and my apologies if I missed it previously, but do you have evidence that this is not being enforced? If so, did you report it? Just asking because I have heard of a few instances where it has been enforced. I have no access or knowledge about all instances, so that’s why I’m asking.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:41 am:
=== but do you have evidence that this is not being enforced? ===
Google it.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:45 am:
Found it, thanks.
But when a FOID card is rescinded, Illinois State Police do not typically go to homes to confiscate that person’s guns. State police Master Sgt. Matt Boerwinkle said the agency doesn’t have the manpower to do that statewide, and rely on local police to follow up. Some local departments check on expired FOID card holders, he said, but many do not.
Instead, state troopers merely send a notice of the revocation to the cardholder and to local police. By law, the person must send a form to state police listing his or her guns and identifying another active FOID holder who will hold the guns during the revocation.
Police may not seize guns from a revoked FOID holder unless the holder fails to submit the form. Failing to do so is a misdemeanor and authorizes police to search for and seize the guns, but officials say that rarely happens unless the person is stopped for some other violation.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:49 am:
Blue Dog, my knowledge of guns is like my knowledge of China, very little. I just think there are ways to get around the constitution. That would be making guns slower to load. You could still have a loaded weapon should an intruder come in. or even two. You (meaning a generic person) just have to be as good of a shot as you claim to be.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 11:51 am:
So it looks like as long as someone who does possess a FOID card is holding the guns, the guns don’t have to be turned over. This seems fair as there may be value in a collection. Just because someone has a mental illness doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to sell their own property.
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 12:25 pm:
Let me get this straight. I, an Illinois resident, cannot buy a gun unless i have a FOID card. Someone who has their FOID card rescinded can still have a gun. And somebody from Indiana can drive on over and buy a gun without a FOID card. Am i missing something? What on earth does this FOID card thing do?
- Amalia - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 12:29 pm:
Bump stock removal not gonna do it. This could be an easy win for the NRA. and then the industry will just come up with something else. like they always do. must ban all conversion objects and require that they be melted down. Does the 2nd amendment cover things other than actual weapons? why is a bumpstock or a clip or a converter treated like a weapon ? why do those things get 2nd amendment protection? this should be an easy call. they are not weapons. but they make weapons more lethal.
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 12:33 pm:
Amalia. I agree. Another idea i would like to float out there. First degree murder with a gun. Death penalty. Wont be a deterrent, but murderer wont do it again.
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 1:08 pm:
Whoa. Just found out that the DOJ under the Obama admin ruled the bump stock didnt violate federal rules.
- Bromeliad - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 1:16 pm:
So, if these massacres are caused by people with mental illness, this means that Davis supports mental health insurance for all who need it? Oh, wait, where do you stand on universal health insurance, btw?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 1:26 pm:
blue dog @11:20- “I would also like to see minimum sentencing of 25 years for felonies committed with guns. No parole.”
Your wish is already granted in Illinois. Possess a gun without an FOID card on your person is a felony, even when you don’t use in the commission of a crime. In the bad old days before the passage of Phelps concealed carry bill in 2013, and after Gov. Ryan insisted that UUW be a felony in 1995, thousands of otherwise law abiding citizens got felony charges for carrying their guns outside the home. Real bad guys like landlords and currency exchange owners going to the bank drop. NRA did nothing, because they represent “law abiding gun owners” (the favorite slogan of Richard Peason & ISRA) and are “on the same side” as the police.
Despite all their flag waving, NRA members will give up their legal rights easily if it’s cloaked in “law and order.” Expect NRA lobbyists to cut a deal on bump stocks as we speak.
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 1:36 pm:
Ifa person comes into this state ,say from Iowa or Missouri, they can posses a gun aithout a FOID card. Why is it a felony for me, an illinois resident, but not them?
I wonder if the NRA influenced the Obama admin when the bump stick hit the market? Just wonderin.
- Rebel13 - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 3:55 pm:
I was going to vote yes as I don’t see much use for them but after reading above, voted no. Give an inch and they then want a mile and the above posts just proved it.
When people here complain that the NRA always fights everything, it is usually because of this attitude.
Rebel13
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 4:17 pm:
= Ifa person comes into this state ,say from Iowa or Missouri, they can posses a gun aithout a FOID card. Why is it a felony for me, an illinois resident, but not them? =
The person must be able to own a gun legally where they are coming from. If the can, they can transport legally if the gun is unloaded and cased in their trunk under Federal Transportation laws. If the have a Carry License, they can carry loaded in their car but not outside of their car. FOID card is the way Illinois determines whether you can own a gun or not. They are only for Illinois residents and cost $10 for 10 years. If you can’t get your own FOID card, then it has been determined that you are a person who should not be trusted with a gun.
- Aspects - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 4:37 pm:
I just wish Davis would allow his constituents see the Facebook messages that other constituents leave on his page.
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Oct 5, 17 @ 4:40 pm:
Waot a minute. I thought i read that with a revoked FOID noone was confiscating guns.
- Downstate43 - Friday, Oct 6, 17 @ 10:58 am:
== blue dog @11:20- “I would also like to see minimum sentencing of 25 years for felonies committed with guns. No parole.”
Your wish is already granted in Illinois. Possess a gun without an FOID card on your person is a felony, even when you don’t use in the commission of a crime. ==
Not even close. Felony gun crimes, depending on a person’s record and if the charge isn’t just nolle pros’d (which most are), and whether there are more serious charges, the average sentence is less than 5 years. Class Xs might get into the 8-10 range…again, the real key being whether they are nolle pros’d. For non-Class X, it’s usually more like 2-3 years, or even county jail.
Illinois has very tough laws on the books regarding gun crimes, but they are rarely enforced anywhere near their full extent. Firearm enhancements for crimes like Agg Batt, robbery, etc. are good for adding 3-10 years (to already light sentences coming out of Cook), but possession by a felon, other UUW, etc., on their own, usually gets no more than a few years.