NEW YORK – This week, gun control groups Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and the Giffords PAC announced their support for Democrat Dick Durbin from Illinois to be re-elected to a fifth six-year term. Earlier this year, Durbin received the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction, a prerequisite for being considered for Everytown's endorsement.
"As Illinois Senator, Dick Durbin has been a long-time advocate for common-sense gun safety legislation and stood up to the NRA and its dangerous agenda. Durbin supports federal legislation to require background checks on all gun sales and strong red flag legislation," Everytown's press release said.
“Time and again, Senator Dick Durbin has stood up to the gun lobby and pushed for laws to keep American families safe from gun violence,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “He has proven through his actions that he will put public safety ahead of gun lobby priorities, and Everytown is proud to support his reelection campaign.”
“Senator Dick Durbin has long fought for common-sense gun safety laws, while standing up against the NRA and its dangerous agenda,” said Elly Hanauer, a volunteer with the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action. “From now through November, we’ll work tirelessly to send him back to Washington."
Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and Victory Fund plans to spend at least $60 million on the 2020 elections — double what they spent during the 2018 elections, and more than any gun safety opponent, including the NRA, reported spending on the 2016 elections.
The Giffords PAC used the endorsement as an opportunity to raise funds to support candidates that want more gun control.
"I'm proud that Giffords PAC has endorsed Dick Durbin for re-election. Dick is a proven champion on gun safety and we must help send him back to the U.S. Senate in 2020," former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords wrote in an email.
She emphasized the need for Democrats to gain majority in the U.S. Senate – which would require Durbin winning re-election despite a challenge by former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran, a Republican.
"If we want to see our gun laws change, we need to flip the Senate. That includes holding onto Illinois and re-electing Dick Durbin, a tireless ally in the fight to make our communities safer from gun violence."
