MURPHYSBORO – Two attorneys are aiming to replace retiring state Senator Dave Luechtefeld in the 58th Senate district. One has Illinois' gun rights in her sights. She wants to expand them.
“Barack Obama has made it clear that he wants to do all he can to keep firearms away from lawful citizens who want to protect themselves and their families," said constitutional attorney Sharee Langenstein Tuesday in a statement.
"The proper response from the legislature of Illinois should be to expand gun rights. Barack Obama wants fewer guns in the hands of law abiding people. I want greater opportunity for firearm ownership. Every citizen who follows the law should have the opportunity to exercise this important Constitutional right."
Langenstein’s proposes four changes to Illinois gun laws:
- Remove mandatory prohibitions for Concealed Carry in government buildings
- Reduce the cost of a Concealed Carry permit
- Allow Concealed Carry in State Parks and Rest Stops
- Eliminate FOID Card
“If a local park board wants to allow people to carry a weapon at a Little League game, they ought to be able to do that without Chicago Democrats standing in the way," Langenstein said. "If a School Board believes that allowing qualified personnel to be armed on school grounds would make their children safer, that should be their business, not Springfield’s.”
Langenstein has worked to promote Second Amendment rights at the State Capitol. Unlike other Midwestern states, Illinois requires a license to exercise a fundamental Constitutional right. That needs to be changed, she says.
“The FOID law is unconstitutional and in light of instant background checks, severely outdated. The General Assembly ought to eliminate it now and avoid the ridiculous court battle that they waged against Concealed Carry.”
Langenstein also wants to lower the high priced permit. Currently, a person must pay the State of Illinois $150 for a permit.
"Exercising a constitutional right should be available to all, not merely the wealthy. “Too many people are prevented from receiving a permit because they can’t justify the cost in their personal budget. It’s wrong to make Illinoisans pay such a steep price for their own personal safety.” Langenstein’s proposal would cut the cost in half.
Finally, Langenstein would allow concealed carry in State Parks and rest areas.
“For 7 years, Americans have been allowed to carry a concealed weapon in our National Parks. Unsurprisingly, this has happened without incident. It’s time for Illinois to follow that common sense rule," she said. "In contrast, we have seen horrific crimes committed at state owned rest stops. Criminals don't care if we are on vacation. Our rights to protect ourselves and our families shouldn't end when we are out enjoying all that Southern Illinois has to offer."
Langenstein is facing off in the 58th District with formed military attorney Paul Schimpf, who chooses not to include platform positions on his website.
Whoever wins the GOP nomination will face Democrat former Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon in the General Election.
