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Quinn: Gun Registry an ‘Uphill Climb’ in State
Story date: Friday, February 10, 2012 from Illinois Public Media News
(With additional reporting from Illinois Public Radio)
Gov. Pat Quinn says the idea of requiring all Illinois handgun owners to register their weapons would be an “uphill climb’’ with state lawmakers.
The Chicago Democrat said Friday that he thinks it’s more important to focus on trying to ban assault weapons.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants registration for all handguns at a cost of $65 each. He says that would help police track guns that flow into Chicago from elsewhere and wind up being used in crimes.
But the Governor suggests other gun policies might be easier to get through the legislature.
“The gun show loophole needs to be closed, and we need to do something about assault weapons,” Quinn said. “They’re used on the street by gangs and other criminals to harm people. So I think we need to have an agenda there that, you know, gets enough votes.”
Quinn isn’t saying whether he supports or opposes Emanuel’s idea.
