Drizzt
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Tragedy triggers push to let judges pack guns
By Ray Long
Tribune staff reporter
Published March 11, 2005
SPRINGFIELD -- Judges in Illinois would be able to carry concealed weapons under a bill inspired by the murders of the mother and husband of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow.
Sen. Larry Bomke (R-Springfield) said he decided to draft the bill after getting a call from Sangamon County Circuit Judge Patrick Kelley, a former prosecutor, who said judges are concerned about retribution from people who appear before them.
Judges would have to be trained before they could carry a handgun, Bomke said.
Earlier this week, a House committee sent to the full House two measures that would allow individuals to carry a concealed handgun, setting up the potential for a floor fight on the issue.
The Senate last year approved a so-called "concealed carry" bill that would have limited the right to retired police and military police, but the measure died in the House. In the early 1990s, the upper chamber defeated a broader bill that would have allowed individuals to carry concealed weapons following extensive training.
Bomke said many lawmakers viewed the bill for retired police and military police as appropriate because of their experience.
He acknowledged judges might not have the same expertise unless they were former law enforcement officials.
Judge Kelley could not be reached for comment.
The proposal drew support from Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson (R-Greenville).
"That ought to be considered, seriously considered," said Watson, who supports allowing trained individuals to carry concealed guns.
But Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago), a longtime opponent of concealed carry legislation, said he did not think he would support Bomke's legislation, although he said he would be willing to listen to judges' concerns.
Cullerton, who helped pass legislation that removed the addresses of local judges from public records in the state comptroller's office, said many people don't believe that legalizing concealed weapons would make them feel safer.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/...ll=chi-newsnationworld-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true
More of the 'for me, but not thee' mindset...
By Ray Long
Tribune staff reporter
Published March 11, 2005
SPRINGFIELD -- Judges in Illinois would be able to carry concealed weapons under a bill inspired by the murders of the mother and husband of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow.
Sen. Larry Bomke (R-Springfield) said he decided to draft the bill after getting a call from Sangamon County Circuit Judge Patrick Kelley, a former prosecutor, who said judges are concerned about retribution from people who appear before them.
Judges would have to be trained before they could carry a handgun, Bomke said.
Earlier this week, a House committee sent to the full House two measures that would allow individuals to carry a concealed handgun, setting up the potential for a floor fight on the issue.
The Senate last year approved a so-called "concealed carry" bill that would have limited the right to retired police and military police, but the measure died in the House. In the early 1990s, the upper chamber defeated a broader bill that would have allowed individuals to carry concealed weapons following extensive training.
Bomke said many lawmakers viewed the bill for retired police and military police as appropriate because of their experience.
He acknowledged judges might not have the same expertise unless they were former law enforcement officials.
Judge Kelley could not be reached for comment.
The proposal drew support from Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson (R-Greenville).
"That ought to be considered, seriously considered," said Watson, who supports allowing trained individuals to carry concealed guns.
But Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago), a longtime opponent of concealed carry legislation, said he did not think he would support Bomke's legislation, although he said he would be willing to listen to judges' concerns.
Cullerton, who helped pass legislation that removed the addresses of local judges from public records in the state comptroller's office, said many people don't believe that legalizing concealed weapons would make them feel safer.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/...ll=chi-newsnationworld-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true
More of the 'for me, but not thee' mindset...
They don't have to ask anyone. In other words, they have the same right (which has become a privilege!!) that every citizen once possessed under the Federal Constitution!! 