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Dead Constitution See other Dead Constitution Articles Title: Gun control in legislative crosshairs (Illinois) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gun control will be the big issue when legislators return for the final three days of veto session today. Gov. Rod Blagojevich spoke out against three gun control bills that he vetoed but are now scheduled for possible override votes. The battle centers on how guns are transported, tracked and traded. He recruited Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent to lobby against veto overrides. "We've got to send a strong message of our concerns for the safety of police officers across the state," Trent said. "There isn't really any middle ground on this issue. You either stand with the gun lobby, or you stand with law enforcement." Kelly Hobbs, a spokesman for the National Rifle Association, said there will be a last-minute propaganda campaign by Blagojevich to cloud the issues. One example would be SB2104, which sailed through the Senate last week with a 38-20 vote to override Blagojevich's veto. The legislation would establish a single set of rules for transporting firearms in Illinois. The law became necessary after several communities adopted stricter standards. Opponents of the law say it would nullify local community control. Proponents say it is not workable to have a hodgepodge of gun transport rules that make lawbreakers of ethical hunters and sport shooters. Hobbs said the common sense law got four more votes in the veto session than it had when it passed during the spring session. Rep. Art Tenhouse, R-Liberty, said he'll vote to override. He added that Blagojevich is doing exactly the opposite of what he promised voters downstate in 2002, when he pledged to protect gunowners rights. SB57 is awaiting Senate action. It calls for destruction of the database used for gun background checks in Illinois within 90 days, the most hotly contested of the governor's vetoes. Blagojevich and his allies argue the records are important tools for law enforcement to track guns used in crimes. Gun owners claim the records are used to violate their privacy rights. HB340 is on the House calendar, scheduled for a a vote this week. It would eliminate waiting periods for firearm owners who trade one firearm off and wish to obtain another. "We hope the Legislature will vote based on the facts, rather than the rhetoric," Hobbs said. Blagojevich says the measures would create more dangers for Illinois citizens and law enforcement by loosening gun restrictions. The Democratic governor is calling undecided lawmakers, or those who might be persuaded to switch, and asking for their support, Trent said. Gun control groups are joining Blagojevich in framing the issue as a stark choice for lawmakers. "Those who oppose the veto of the governor are upholding crime," Jennifer Bishop of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence said at the news conference with Trent. "They are advocating for criminals and against victims." Battles over gun control measures are common at the Capitol, where state lawmakers are divided on the issue more by geography than political allegiances. Lawmakers in and around Chicago tend to favor gun restrictions, while those downstate generally support the rights of hunters and gun owners. Ethics legislation also will be discussed in the House. Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has called for limits on gifts to legislators. He wants the state to establish rules about naming rights for donors. "I think the speaker feels these issues are important to advance," said Madigan spokesman Steve Brown. There was speculation early in the week that Senate members would not have time to consider Madigan's ethics proposal. But there were talks with Senate President Emil Jones' staff. It also is in question whether a bill that would abolish riverboat gambling will be heard in the Senate. That bill won overwhelming support in the House last week. Madigan later said he would favor further legislation that changes the way Illinois issues gambling licenses. Cindy Davidsmeyer, a spokesman for Jones, said the Senate Executive Appointments Committee will vote Thursday on whether to confirm Marty Cohen as the Illinois Commerce Commission. Cohen is the former chairman of the Citizens Utility Board and has been picked by Blagojevich as chairman of the ICC. Senate members are scheduled to vote on stronger anti-methamphetamine legislation. Officials in both the House and Senate say there's little chance that a capital bill will come up for consideration during the veto session. Contact Senior Writer Doug Wilson at dwilson@whig.com or (217) 221-3372
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