State Sen. Jason Barickman delivered a fiery speech Wednesday in support of gun rights, attacking Democrats for trying to score political points on the issue.
Barickman, a Bloomington Republican, spoke at the annual Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day in Springfield. His remarks came as Democrats failed to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of legislation requiring state licensing of firearms dealers. Barickman voted against that bill when it passed the Senate in 2017.
Barickman took aim at an op-ed penned by retired Supreme Court justice John Paul Stevens, calling for repeal of the Second Amendment.
“What’s his answer to the problems of the world? He wants to repeal the Second Amendment. I mean, these are ludicrous suggestions. Next comes what, the First Amendment?” Barickman said.
The measure Rauner vetoed would’ve required five-year gun-shop licenses, employee training and in-store videotaping. Rauner, a Republican facing a tough re-election, vetoed it as “burdensome regulation.” Democrats who control both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly could not override him.
Barickman said Democrats were using the guns issue to drive their political agenda. He cited his own upbringing on a family farm and his service with the Illinois Army National Guard.
“Lots of farm kids and lots of veterans are law-abiding citizens who don’t deserve their government overreaching into their constitutional rights. I’m proud to stand up for you,” Barickman said.
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